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Oregon Joins the Age-Friendly Network

The state is the 14th to enroll in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities

Oregon is a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities

Oregon is a state member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.

Map template by iStock | Map customization by AARP Livable Communities

“The Age-Friendly State designation isn't ceremonial,” Governor Tina Kotek explained about enrolling her state in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. “It's a call to action. It recognizes the progress we’ve made and also requires us to assess our age-friendliness, identify improvement strategies, and implement them over time. It allows Oregon to leverage best practices as we prepare for our changing demographics.”

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek accepts a certificate from AARP Oregon State Director Bandana Shrestha to commemorate the state’s enrollment in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.

May 27, 2026: Oregon Governor Tina Kotek (left) accepts a certificate from AARP Oregon State Director Bandana Shrestha to commemorate the state’s enrollment in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.

Governor’s Office, State of Oregon

Oregon's demographics are shifting significantly. As of May 2025, Oregonians age 65 or older outnumber children under 18.

Working with AARP, the Oregon-based nonprofit AGE+ and Oregon's Governors' Commission on Senior Services, the state will launch a community-driven, multisector plan for aging to address housing, healthcare, economic development and community connections. (Oregonians are encouraged to participate by visiting SharedFutureOregon.org.)

“Being age-friendly means ensuring people can live well at every stage of life,” Bandana Shrestha, state director for AARP Oregon, said. “It means people can remain in their homes and communities, stay connected, maintain their health, and continue to contribute. And it requires us to align our policies, our investments, and our systems to support those outcomes.”

“To be age-friendly is not a label,” adds Margaret B. Neal, professor and director emerita from Portland State University's Institute on Aging and an early leader of the age-friendly movement. “It is a commitment. It means we pay attention to the everyday experiences of all of us as we age. It means we design our communities, services, and policies in ways that support independence, connection, and well-being for all. And it means we recognize that aging touches every part of our lives.”