Senior Task Force

The Senior Task Force (STF), which was established in 2014, is helping address the unique needs of Naperville’s growing senior population. According to the 2020 United States census, more than 21,000 Naperville residents were over the age of 65, which accounts for approximately 14 percent of the City’s population.

Some of the task force's ongoing efforts include participating in health and wellness fairs (including the annual Healthy, Wealthy & Wise conference), providing free Silver CPR classes in collaboration with the Naperville Fire Department, and educating seniors via a quarterly newsletter. To ensure seniors’ needs are being met, the task force works with service providers to promote efficiencies and new partnerships that address local needs.

The group also proactively reaches out to seniors for their thoughts and ideas via interviews, workshops, focus groups and surveys. Regular reports are issued to the Mayor and City Council on the task force’s findings.

Vision

The task force promotes and advocates for seniors and their caregivers, collaborating with the city government and various service providers to ensure that Naperville provides comprehensive, intergenerational living and services for seniors. 

Mission

The task force enhances the quality of life for Naperville seniors through supportive independent living, promotion of their health and well-being, educational opportunities, and recognition of their self-worth and community belonging.

Values

Respect, Service and Collaboration

Meeting Information

The STF meets at 6 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month in the Naperville Employee University (NEU) room on the lower level of the Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St.

Position on Affordable Housing

The STF is committed to increasing the supply of affordable senior housing in our community and supports the concept of visitability. The STF recently updated its Position on Affordable Housing and created a “Seal of Approval” criteria list to encourage discussion with all parties building or renovating properties. Their goal is that builders consider seniors wishing to age in place, therefore including design elements that achieve “lifetime homes” and meet the needs of individuals in all stages of life.

They define lifetime homes as those with a universal design: Aesthetically pleasing and usable to the greatest extent by all, regardless of their age, ability or status in life. A housing design, therefore, meant for a lifetime, rather than a first or a family home. They recommend:

• 10% of a building project’s units be set aside for seniors (age 60 and older) with incomes of less than $46,000 per year, and/or establish the criteria for spending 30% of income on rent, as defined by such entities as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the DuPage Housing Authority and the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
• Include smaller units that would appeal to people of all ages, not only seniors.
• A zero-step entrance.
• Minimum 36" widths for ground-floor doorways and 42" for hallways.
• Ground floor bathroom physically maneuverable by a person in a wheelchair, with blocking added to the underlying structure to ease the future installation of grab bars.

The STF recognizes that social service agencies and others long have advocated for affordable housing for families. In both DuPage and Will counties, affordable housing collaborations exist, and the STF is committed to working with these groups by offering a senior perspective.

View the Senior Task Force recommended affordable housing criteria.

Senior of the Year Award

Every year, the Senior Task Force accepts nominations for the Senior of the Year Award. The award honors two seniors, one man and one woman, for their community service. Nominees must be 65 or older and a Naperville resident. Nominees should have a history of community service and giving back selflessly.

Nominations for the 2025 Senior of the Year Award are now closed. Thanks to all who nominated. Once selected, the award recipients will be recognized at the Oct. 7 City Council meeting. For information about the 2026 award, please check back in the spring. 

Dementia Friendly Naperville

Through the efforts of the Senior Task Force and a committee of individuals from numerous organizations in the community, Naperville is proud to have been named a Dementia Friendly City in late 2020. This designation from Dementia Friendly America showcases Naperville as a community that "fosters the ability of people living with dementia to remain in the community and engage and thrive in day-to-day living."

Visit the Dementia Friendly Naperville webpage for more information.

Memory Café

Are you caring for a loved one with dementia? Consider attending one of the two Memory Cafés offered monthly, sponsored by Dementia Friendly Naperville and the Naperville Senior Task Force. A Memory Café is a social gathering of those living with dementia and their care partners. It is a place where both care partner and care recipient can socialize together and connect with others in similar situations. Activities at this free event vary, but typically include education, music, games and arts. 

Register online at DementiaFriendlyNaperville+info@gmail.com. For more information, call Lisa Kirchner at (630) 710-7502 or view the flyer below.

View the Memory Cafe Flyer

Dementia Caregivers Support Group

The Naperville Senior Task Force, in association with Dementia Friendly Naperville, is helping to build a support system for people who care for those with dementia. Two Dementia Caregivers Support Groups meet each month, led by trained facilitators from the Alzheimer's Association. These sessions are intended to be a safe place for people living with dementia and their care partners to talk through challenges, exchange practical information and learn about community resources.

Register online at DementiaFriendlyNaperville+info@gmail.com. For more information, call Lisa Kirchner at (630) 710-7502 or view the flyer below.

View the Dementia Caregivers Support Group Flyer