Introducing the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities

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Download this introductory fact-sheet about the network.

The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities serves as a catalyst to educate local leaders (both elected officials and engaged residents) and encourage them to implement the types

of changes that make communities more livable for people of all ages, especially older adults.

The network provides cities, towns, counties and states with the resources to become more age-friendly by tapping into national and global research, planning models and best practices.

Membership in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities means that a community’s elected leadership has made a commitment to actively work with residents and local advocates to

make their town, city, county or state an age-friendly place to live.

organizations and foundationsAcademic institutionsArea Agencies on AgingCommunity coalitionsLocal businessesChambers of CommerceResidents and lots of volunteers Joining the network

There is no fee to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. Communities enroll individually, as part of a region or as a state. (Note: State enrollment in the network

does not confer automatic membership on that state’s local communities.)

All towns, villages, townships, boroughs, cities, counties and states seeking to enroll in the AARP age-friendly network are required to submit a membership application.

In addition, the community must provide a letter of commitment signed by the jurisdiction’s highest elected official (e.g., a governor, mayor, county executive).

Communities with council or commission forms of government typically pass a resolution in support of membership in the network.

understand community needs Serves as an organizing structure for making community improvementsFosters partnerships among community groups and local stakeholdersProvides leadership

opportunities for volunteersEnables changes that benefit people of all ages Membership provides a community with:Public recognition for committing to becoming age-friendlyResources for

identifying and assessing community needsAccess to technical assistance and expert-led webinarsSupport and best practice materials from AARP What membership isn't:Communities in the AARP

age-friendly network are not retirement villages, gated developments, nursing homes or assisted living facilities. Nor are they planned communities or age-restricted housing

developments.Membership in the network does not mean that the community is, currently, "age-friendly" or a great place to retire.Membership in the network does not mean AARP endorses the

towns, cities, counties or states as places to live. AARP and the network

The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities advances efforts to help people live easily and comfortably in their homes and communities as they age. AARP’s presence encourages

older adults to take a more active role in their communities and have their voices heard. Initiatives focus on areas such as housing, caregiving, community engagement, volunteering, social

inclusion and combating isolation among older citizens.

change in public policy, most often by integrating an “age-friendly lens” into community planningPublic and private entities are investing in local programs and projects. 63% of respondents

said that they had received funding or an in-kind donation from the public sector (primarily from municipal government) and 41% received resources from the private sector.The NAFSC 5-year

program cycle and framework is setting communities up for success. 96% of respondents were able to overcome barriers to improving the community for older residents, such as raising awareness

about livability issues, increasing collaborations within the community, and implementing educational and engagement programs

* Survey distributed to members of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities (October 2023)

Page updated September 2024

local policy change. 73% of member communities achieved a change in public policy, most often by integrating an “age-friendly lens” into community planningPublic and private entities are

investing in local programs and projects. 63% of respondents said that they had received funding or an in-kind donation from the public sector (primarily from municipal government) and 41%

received resources from the private sector.The NAFSC 5-year program cycle and framework is setting communities up for success. 96% of respondents were able to overcome barriers to improving

the community for older residents, such as raising awareness about livability issues, increasing collaborations within the community, and implementing educational and engagement programs

* Survey distributed to members of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities (October 2023)

AARP works with local officials and partner organizations around the country to identify communities for membership in the age-friendly network. AARP facilitates the community's enrollment

and guides its representatives through the network’s implementation and assessment process.

Combined with the resources provided by AARP — either through AARP.org/Livable (this website) or the AARP Public Policy Institute — the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities

program supports AARP's goal of being recognized by elected officials and others as a leading resource for how to improve the livability of communities for people age 50 or older and their

families.

The program emphasizes both the built and the social environment, and helps refine what it means for AARP to have a community presence. The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and

Communities program is a tool that can be used by AARP staff and others to help local leaders prepare and ultimately change their communities to become great places for everyone to live.