August 2024

The city of Birmingham’s goal of providing a new home for Next, addressing the needs of a growing and diverse older population, is well underway. Most municipalities have senior support as part of their core services, so this is new for Birmingham and we are elated.

For the past several years, Next has worked towards the objective of having an adequate facility that meets the needs of today’s older residents. Birmingham Public Schools have generously allowed Next to be housed at Midvale since 1997 with an in-kind arrangement where Next has paid minimal building costs. At this point however, with the growing senior population and the increased need for services, Next has exceeded the schools capacity. With that in mind, we have had to shift away from Birmingham Schools, but are very grateful for our partnership over the past many years.

As the city steps up its commitment to area seniors, Next will now be able to implement key programming changes, increase lifelong learning and enrichment opportunities, developing more synergies with local partners, and expanded outreach to care for more residents who need extra assistance to remain healthy and independent.

The role of “senior centers” hasn’t changed. They deliver vital programs and services, and connect older adults to essential community resources to help them stay healthy, socially engaged, and independent.

What has changed is the user.

Today’s seniors are different than any others before them. They are the healthiest, both mentally and physically, of any previous generation. They are more educated and more active.

Also important to note, people 50 and older nationally contribute $745 billion in unpaid activities that benefit the entire community. They are caregivers for loved ones, provide childcare, and volunteer on civic boards and non-profits. They are business mentors, run youth programs, drive community projects and overwhelming, financially support local charities. They are also innovative, spurring 25 percent of all new entrepreneurships, and hold significant political clout.

Boomers, and now aging in, Gen X’ers, want a space that offers more, and rightly so.

The opportunity for the city of Birmingham to design a new facility that reflects the profile of today’s active adults is very exciting. By modernizing the idea of how a “senior center” functions, married with thoughtful design decisions, Next will have the capacity, tools, and resources necessary to develop and implement programs and services that meet the current and future needs of a diverse older population.

Utilizing age-friendly universal design, exceeding ADA-compliance, identifying flexible program space, and offering spaces that fosters social connection, will finally give the city the ability to properly support our older residents.

There are so many community benefits to a vibrant Next. A dynamic center will foster community well-being and inclusivity. In a space shared by residents of all ages, community cohesion is amplified by bridging generational divides. Providing space for informal interactions between generations leads to mutual understanding and respect.

This new facility will serve as a pivotal hub, contributing significantly to the overall quality of life and enriching the fabric of the community as a whole. By creating a more harmonious community, people of all ages feel valued and connected.

Cris Braun is Executive Director of Birmingham Next