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Illinois Joins the Age Friendly Network!
A major step toward a better future for all ages
AARP
Illinois has reached an important milestone in its efforts to become a place where people can thrive at every stage of life. The state has officially joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, becoming the 16th state in the nation to make this commitment to healthy, livable aging. Illinois was welcomed into the network during AgeGuide's Aging Summit, where AARP presented the designation to Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Director Mary Killough.
This designation is more than a recognition. It is a commitment to action.
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The AARP Age-Friendly Network brings together states and communities that are working to improve housing, transportation, public spaces, social connection, caregiving support, and access to services so residents can remain active and engaged as they age. Communities in the network follow a framework for assessing needs, developing action plans, implementing improvements, and measuring progress over time.
For Illinois, joining the network builds on years of work led by the Illinois Department on Aging and a broad coalition of public, private, nonprofit, and community partners through EngAging Illinois, the state's comprehensive Multisector Plan for Aging.
The Foundation: EngAging Illinois
Released in 2026, EngAging Illinois: A Comprehensive Plan for Living Well is a 10-year roadmap designed to address the needs of older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers. Developed through an extensive statewide process involving 15 state agencies, a 25-member Community Advisory Council, subject matter experts, and public listening sessions across Illinois, the plan reflects the voices and priorities of residents from every corner of the state.
The plan focuses on four key priorities:
- Creating Livable and Connected Communities
- Ensuring Health for All Ages
- Investing in Caregivers
- Affording Aging
These priorities recognize that aging well is influenced by much more than healthcare. Housing options, transportation access, social connections, economic security, caregiving supports, and community design all play an important role in helping people remain independent and engaged.
The Illinois Department on Aging's Leadership
The Illinois Department on Aging has been central to this effort from the beginning.
IDoA coordinated the development of EngAging Illinois and continues to lead its implementation alongside partners throughout the state. In 2026, Governor J.B. Pritzker signed an executive order formally launching the EngAging Illinois Commission and directing the state to pursue Age-Friendly designation through AARP.
The department's work recognizes a simple reality: Illinois' population is aging, and preparing for that future requires collaboration across sectors and communities. Through EngAging Illinois, IDoA is helping ensure that older adults, caregivers, and families have a stronger voice in shaping policies and services for years to come.
AARP Illinois: Driving Age-Friendly Advocacy
AARP Illinois has long championed age-friendly policies and communities across the state.
The organization participated throughout the development of EngAging Illinois and has advocated for Illinois to join the AARP Age-Friendly Network as part of a broader effort to create communities where people can age with dignity, independence, and choice.
AARP Illinois supports policies that help people remain in their homes and communities as they age, including expanding housing choices, improving transportation options, strengthening support for family caregivers, and fostering social connection. The organization's advocacy reflects a central principle of the age-friendly movement: communities that work better for older adults work better for everyone.
Illinois communities have already been leaders in this work. Many cities, villages, and counties across the state have previously joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities. Statewide designation now helps align and strengthen those local efforts under a broader vision for Illinois.
What Happens Next?
Joining the Age-Friendly Network is not the finish line. It is the starting point.
The designation signals Illinois' commitment to continuously improving how communities support residents of all ages. State leaders, local governments, nonprofits, businesses, healthcare providers, advocates, and residents will all play a role in turning the goals of EngAging Illinois into measurable action.
As implementation moves forward, Illinois has an opportunity to become a national model for healthy aging, livable communities, and cross-sector collaboration.
Learn More
To learn more about the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, visit the AARP Livable Communities website: AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities
To explore the state's comprehensive aging plan, visit: EngAging Illinois: A Comprehensive Plan for Living Well
Together, the Age-Friendly designation and EngAging Illinois represent a powerful vision for the future: an Illinois where people of every age can live, work, contribute, connect, and thrive.
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