CLEVELAND -- Communities can make a difference when it comes to aging and caring for those getting older.

As part of The Cleveland Foundation's Successful Aging Initiative, NewsChannel5 finds out what it means to age successfully -- and what communities can do right now to offer support to the people who need it.

"I've just finished a class here, that's why I'm perspiring a little bit. We had a good workout today -- to me, exercise isn't a lot of fun to do by yourself. It's more fun when you have other people," said retiree Ken Frisch (pictured, left).

Frisch is lucky -- he doesn't have to work out alone. He knows physical and social activities are key ingredients to aging well. But according to local professionals working with the Successful Aging Initiative, there's more.

"Individual elders will benefit by having the opportunity to participate in lifelong learning, in elder employment, and through volunteer opportunities, which will give meaning to their lives," said Robert Eckardt with The Cleveland Foundation.

In northeast Ohio, you can find generations working together, each learning from and enjoying each other. But it takes an entire community to support successful aging.

"There just needs to be a change in the mindset of people, organizations, institutions, our society and our community. Take advantage of this tremendous wealth of experience and knowledge that older people have to offer," said Ronald Hill, executive director for the Western Reserve Agency on Aging.

NewsChannel5 reported that the initiative can help you and your loved ones enjoy a more productive future.

For more information on the "Successful Aging Initiative" or available resources, write to NewsChannel5, 3001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 44115 or log onto our special section on aging.