Maryland Joins the Age-Friendly Network

More than 20 percent of Maryland’s population is age 60-plus. By 2030, 1 of every 4 residents will be 60 or older.

In 2024, recognizing that “Maryland is at a demographic crossroads,” Governor Wes Moore directed the Maryland Department of Aging to evaluate existing services, support and care options for older adults, and recommend a collaborative, multisector plan of action across all sectors to transform the state’s approach to aging.

In 2026, Moore signed the resulting Longevity Ready Maryland Act and enrolled Maryland in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.

July 28, 2026: Maryland Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller and Secretary of Aging Carmel Roques accept the state's certificate of enrollment to the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities from Mike Watson, Director, AARP Livable Communities, and Hank Johnson, State Director, AARP Maryland.

PAT SIEBERT FOR THE OFFICE OF MARYLAND GOVERNOR WES MOORE

“By joining the national network of AARP Age-Friendly states, we are sending a clear message," said Moore. "In this state, we value the wisdom and experience of our older residents, and we are committed to building a future that supports Marylanders at every stage of life.”

The Longevity Ready Maryland initiative and plan features what’s been dubbed four “Epic Goals” to:

1. Build a longevity ecosystem by creating supportive and inclusive communities for all ages and abilities and build collective capacity at the local level.
   
   
2. Promote economic opportunity by supporting a multigenerational workforce with opportunities for all ages and abilities while advancing Maryland’s economic competitiveness.
   
   
3. Prepare Marylanders to afford longevity by improving economic security for the 100-year lifespan through affordable housing, financial literacy and access to support services.
   
   
4. Optimize health, wellness and mobility by investing in programs that support healthier, more purposeful, and active lifestyles so Marylanders can enjoy longevity and reduce dependency.

On July 28, Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller accepted the AARP Age-Friendly enrollment certificate on behalf of the state.

“Becoming an AARP Age-Friendly state means building communities where opportunity doesn't have an expiration date,” Miller said at the event (pictured above). “It means investing in things that actually impact our daily lives — like reliable transit, stronger health care, and neighborhoods that keep us connected.”

Prior to the state-level enrollment, eight Maryland communities had already joined the network. The state also has more than two-dozen age-friendly health systems and three age-friendly university programs.