DC Pilots AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities

Following the April 4 public launch of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, AARP DC was selected to pilot the program to educate, promote and recognize improvements that make the city more livable and engaging for older people and for residents of all ages.

See Also: AARP Launches New Network to Foster Age-Friendly Communities

In addition to the District of Columbia, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New York and Oregon were also selected as pilot states. The program is affiliated with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities®.

Designed to foster public policies across the nation that make cities friendlier and more welcoming to aging populations. AARP DC is gearing up for next steps.

“AARP DC is excited to be piloting this program,” said DC State Director Louis Davis, Jr. “Especially with more and more baby boomers turning 65 each year.”

The initiative has the potential to improve the quality of living for DC seniors based on WHO’s eight domains of city life affecting the health and well-being of older people – and all people:

• Outdoor spaces and buildings
  
• Transportation
  
• Housing
  
• Social participation
  
• Respect and social inclusion
  
• Civic participation and employment
  
• Communication and informatio
  
• Community support and health services
  

The critical step required before implementation begins is written commitment from the Mayor of the District of Columbia to support and be an active participant and leader in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities program.

AARP DC cast a broad net to share information about the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities throughout Washington, DC, from outreach to members of DC’s faith community to the entire City Council. At an April breakfast meeting, Davis and AARP DC staff presented the program to leaders of various houses of worship and faith-based organizations.

In May, the faith group reconvened with AARP DC to continue discussions on this collaborative opportunity as momentum builds in the District.