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| From its earliest days, MetLife has been an involved corporate citizen in the communities where it does business. This tradition continues as MetLife grows in the U.S. and across the globe. Thirty years ago, MetLife created MetLife Foundation (MLF) to support health, civic, educational and cultural organizations, and local foundations have been established in Mexico and Korea in recent years. |
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| In 2006, MetLife and MLF focused on such vital areas as aging, education, youth development and community building. Programs included working with non-profit organizations to uncover key issues and find solutions. |
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| The growing aging population is having an enormous impact on the way people live and work the world over. The huge baby boom generation is more likely than previous generations to reach old age and, as a result, experience both the joys and woes of aging. These demographic trends call attention to many significant issues, including caregiving, brain health, outliving resources, community preparation and workforce and volunteer depletion. MLF is working with leading non-profits to address these issues and help develop creative responses. For example, The Maturing of America—Getting Communities on Track for the Aging of the Baby Boomers assesses the readiness of cities to meet the needs of the aging population and identifies communities that are not only good places to grow up but also good places to grow old. Funded by MLF and conducted by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging with other leading organizations, this study is a wake-up call to communities that need to begin to plan for the growing aging population. |
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| Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most serious consequences of aging. The MLF Awards for Medical Research in Alzheimer’s Disease marked its 20th anniversary of searching for a cure for Alzheimer’s and have provided over $10.5 million to scientists for research. “Over the past 20 years, MetLife has recognized an extraordinary group of investigators, the vast majority of whom continue to make important contributions to Alzheimer’s disease,” said past winner Dr. Donald Price of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “The award has allowed recipients to recruit and support young investigators who have created a pipeline of those committed to Alzheimer’s research, thus assuring continued progress toward a cure.” |
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| With the growing emphasis on aging issues, MetLife has not forgotten the importance of helping young people—especially those who are economically, socially or physically disadvantaged—get a good start in life. Support is provided for youth development programs, including after-school programs, arts and health education and school improvement. In many locations, MetLife associates volunteer as mentors to provide adult role models and help young people succeed. |
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| In 2006, MetLife and MLF made contributions of $34 million. In addition, MetLife committed $65 million in new community investments that improve the quality of life for individuals and families, including financing affordable housing in low- and moderate-income communities and
economic and community development and services. |
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"Over the past 20 years, MetLife has recognized an extraordinary group of investigators, the vast majority of whom continue to make important contributions to Alzheimer’s disease.The award has allowed recipients to recruit and support young investigators…thus assuring continued progress
toward a cure." |
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| – Donald Price, past award winner, John Hopkins University School of Medicine |
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