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Learn About Age-Friendly Communities in Maryland

When we think about what makes a community a great place to live, what comes to mind?

Nancy Carr,

AARP Maryland

Three generation family walking through a public park. The little boy is cycling through the park with his mothers assistance while she talks too her mother in-law

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Quality of life issues, like affordable housing, access to grocery stores, churches and community gathering places. Parks and trails for recreation. Access to employment and education. Arts and cultural attractions. A great place to live is a place where families can grow and thrive. A place where people can continue to live for as long as they choose.

The AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities is based on 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.

Qualities of an Age Friendly Community

Accessible Transportation: Affordable, safe, and accessible transportation options allow older adults to remain mobile, including public transit and walking paths.
Accessible Housing: Housing options are affordable and designed with universal design features for safety and independence.
Social and Civic Engagement: Opportunities for volunteering, employment, and education foster social inclusion and prevent isolation.
Safe Surroundings: Neighborhoods feature safe, well-lit environments with accessible public spaces, benches, and restrooms.
Health and Community Support: Communities provide easily accessible healthcare services, home-based services, and emergency support.
Intergenerational Inclusivity: The community encourages interaction between all age groups to promote, social cohesion.

In states, counties and communities across the nation, AARP is engaging with elected officials, partner organizations and local leaders, to identify projects and programs to improve residents’ quality of life, leading to an action plan and timeline for implementation of the identified goals.

Building Age-Friendly Communities in Maryland

Here in Maryland, there are currently eight Age-Friendly jurisdictions, with more on the way! Visit their county and municipal government webpages to learn more and find out how you can get involved in creating a community where people have more opportunities to age in place, with dignity and comfort.

Montgomery County (2015)

City of Hyattsville (2017)

Baltimore County (2019)

Howard County (2019)

Calvert County (2022)

Carroll County (2022)

College Park (2021)

Salisbury (2022)

To learn more about Age-Friendly Communities and AARP’s Livable Communities resources, visit https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/.