Adopting the Lifelong Communities Initiative in the Atlanta Metropolitan Area

The older adult population in the US has been growing since 1950. The quality of life of older citizens may be reduced if adopted Lifelong Communities (LLC) initiative principles are executed poorly or not at all. The purpose of this case study was to describe and explore the experiences of local government officials in Atlanta, Georgia who have adopted LLC initiatives. The findings of this study indicated that strategic planning and forming collaborative relationships with existing organizations and influential persons were key components of the LLC initiative process. The initiative was beneficial for promoting housing and transportation options and enhancing quality of life. Furthermore, the findings of this study were consistent with the principles of the ecological change model. This study has implications for positive social change by providing information to local government officials and other stakeholders about capacity building, strategic planning, and the needs of the elderly that may lead to improving the implementation of LLCs.