Howard County Working Toward Earning Age-Friendly Status

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — In an effort to create "livable" communities and make Howard County a "great place to grow older," the county is joining the initiative to become Age-Friendly Howard County. Officials are engaging the county in a three- to five-year plan to become part of AARP's network of age-friendly states.

As defined by the AARP, “In a livable community, people of all ages can….take a walk; safely cross the street; ride a bike; use public transportation; live comfortably; work or volunteer; enjoy public places; socialize; spend time outdoors; be entertained; go shopping; buy healthy food; easily get to quality medical care; find the services they need; and make their city, town, or neighborhood a lifelong home for everyone regardless of age, physical ability, income, cultural background, race, or other factors.”

“Over the last 10 years, the average annual growth of our 65+ population has been nearly five times higher than our overall population and our student population according to Census data. Currently, 21 percent of Howard County residents are over 60 years old and in 25 years, this number will increase to nearly 30 percent,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball in a statement. “Building an Age-Friendly Howard County is a long-term effort which will require a new way of working together: collaboration among citizens of all ages, with a great deal of input from older adults; and, businesses, non-profit organizations, government agencies, civic organizations, faith-based communities. and philanthropic groups. We are dedicated to serving our older adults through education opportunities, affordable living, a culture of wellness, and all the services you need and desire. The future of our community will be age-friendly, building on our strengths to provide the highest quality resources that enrich lives.”

The plan will involve information gathering and outreach, creating and implementing an action plan, and evaluating the progress in several areas. Criteria to evaluate the health and quality of life of older adults include:

1) outdoor spaces and buildings

2) transportation

3) housing

4) social participation

5) respect and social inclusion

6) civic participation and employment

7) communication and information

8) community support and health services.

“With admission to the World Health Organization network, Howard County will benefit from inclusion in a global network of communities committed to giving residents of all ages the opportunity to live rewarding, productive and safe lives,” said Jennifer Holz, associate state director of outreach of Maryland AARP. “AARP Maryland will support Howard County and its efforts every step of the way.”