HIGHLANDS RANCH —When thinking of , it’s easy to envision it as a paragon of suburban family living, populated mostly by young couples and grade school-age children riding bikes to nearby parks.
But the community of nearly 100,000 is aging right along with the rest of Douglas County.
Census data shows that over the last 15 years, the percentage of people living in the Highlands Ranch area age 50 and older has more than doubled, increasing from 13.4 percent in 2000 to 30.2 percent in 2014. The percent of residents age 60 and over has increased from 4.9 percent in 2000 to 15.1 percent in 2014, mirroring , according to Census figures provided by demographic program analyst Nancy Gedeon.
Getting older doesn’t mean you have to slow down.
That is what coordinator Jodie McCann was thinking when she launched the metro district’s program in 2014. The growing program provides monthly, after-hours events including social hours at local restaurants, bowling, bocce ball and other activities and educational talks and discussions on issues important to those seeking to live well and age well in Highlands Ranch.
“People were approaching me and saying, ‘We’re still very active and we’re still working full time and can’t attend things during the day,’ ” McCann said. “So, I started 50 & Better Together to offer that group of people a chance to continue learning and to be social and be involved in activities that are interesting to them, but do some on nights and on weekends.”
There are now more than 130 people on McCann’s e-mail list, and events, scheduled for the third Thursday of every month, typically draw 15 to 30 people.
“It’s grown the way I’ve expected,” McCann said. “My objective is that people would make new friends and acquaintances and begin calling each other away from the monthly meetings, and that has happened.”
That’s the case for Cheri Carry. The retiree and her domestic partner, Allan Pearson, attended the 50 & Better Together social hour at Indulge Bistro and Wine Bar last week.
“We’ve met a lot of really nice people through this group and done a lot of fun activities,” said Carry, who moved to Highlands Ranch from San Diego six years ago to be near her grandchildren.
Carry is excited about the program’s next event: a heart-healthy cooking class at the lead by Dr. Richard Collins.
“It’s good to review that stuff. There are always new theories, techniques and products. Plus,” Carry said, pointing to Pearson, “he still cooks with lots of butter.”
The group doesn’t just attract retirees. Karen Pavone attended her first 50 & Better Together event at Indulge. She’s lived in Highlands Ranch for 18 years.
“We are at that point in life when our children are grown, our parents may be gone. No one needs our time as much. I can focus on me and what I want to do,” Pavone said. “I’d like to meet new people and socialize and network.”
Making communities friendly for those seeking to age in place has been a hot topic across the country, and McCann said she is certainly looking at that issue in Highlands Ranch. In March, 50 & Better Together’s event of the month will be a panel discussion on housing options for residents 50 and older, including co-housing and village-style community housing.
“Long term, I would like 50 & Better Together to look at what programs our community needs,” McCann said. “To look at different kinds of housing models and services for our community. Those are going to be a key for making our community welcoming for active adults.”
Joe Rubino: 303-954-2953 or jrubino@denverpost.com
50 & better together
Visit . Fees, usually in the $10 range, do apply for some events. To register, visit
