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Welcome to the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities


  • The population of the United States is rapidly aging.
  • By 2030, 1 of every 5 people in the U.S. will be 65 or older.
  • By 2034, the number of adults older than 65 will be greater than the number of children under 18.

That’s why AARP staff and volunteers are working throughout the nation to engage and mobilize communities, share expertise, and deliver technical assistance to the towns, cities, counties and states in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities

The work that happens within the network — which is a program within the larger AARP Livable Communities initiative — is hands-on and locally determined and directed.

The common thread among the enrolled communities and states is the belief that the places where we live are more livable, and better able to support people of all ages, when local leaders commit to improving the quality of life for the very young, the very old, and everyone in between.

AARP engages with elected officials, partner organizations and local leaders to guide communities through the age-friendly network’s assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation processes.

People of all ages benefit from the adoption of policies and programs that make neighborhoods walkable, feature transportation options, enable access to key services, provide opportunities to participate in community activities, and support housing that’s affordable and adaptable.

Well-designed, age-friendly communities foster economic growth and make for happier, healthier residents of all ages.

THE MEMBER LIST AND MAP

 

The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities was established in April 2012 as an independent affiliate of the World Health Organization Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. Find this page again by using the URL AARP.org/AgeFriendly

1. GETTING STARTED

Introduction

An age-friendly community is a livable community for people of all ages

The Introductory Download

This shareable two-page flyer explains the network's basics and benefits

The Program Cycle

The work toward age-friendly livability involves a continuous process of improvement

Joining the Network

Information about the membership application and required materials

2. LEARNING MORE

The 8 Domains of Livability

Communities can use this framework to become more livable for older adults and people of all ages

Training Videos

Information about the program for community representatives (available in English and Spanish)

Age-Friendly Community Resources

Materials that inform and support member communities through all stages of the program cycle

Creating 'Age-Friendly' Businesses

Communities in the network are working with local shops and service providers to be more welcoming of older adults

Age-Friendly Network Article Archive

Stories, slideshows, interviews and more about the member states, counties, cities and towns

3. TAKING ACTION

Creating a Community Action Plan

An action plan is a living and evolving work plan

Making Plans, Taking Action

A quick look (via a sharable, downloadable handout) at the work and achievements of communities in the network

Impacts and Achievements

The successes add up as a community reaches or exceeds its fifth year of membership

Age-Friendly and Equity

Working to eliminate disparities in order to fairly serve all residents, and especially older adults

Age-Friendly Transportation

Learn about affordable, accessible transit services