URBANA, Ill. – By 2030, AARP estimates one in five people will be 65 or older, with that number growing to 77 million by 2034. Local government and community leaders hoping to attract this large population can begin creating age-friendly communities.
The World Health Organization, in partnership with AARP, has developed resources for communities seeking “Age-Friendly” status. This process involves organizing community stakeholders to evaluate, plan, and implement strategies to improve the lives of older adults in their community.
Aimed at upholding a public commitment to address the priorities of older people, successful age-friendly communities provide affordable and accessible housing options with access to vital services, as well as foster economic growth, opportunities, and activities that benefit people of all ages.
Wendy Bartlo, assistant director for the Center on Health, Aging, and Disability at University of Illinois, will join hosts University of Illinois Extension and Rural Partners to share insights into community implementation strategies and highlight successful examples of Age-Friendly community initiatives in a free webinar. Bartlo helped start the Age-Friendly Champaign-Urbana Initiative in 2017.
Register in advance to attend the May 12 noon webinar: go.illinois.edu/AgeFriendlyCommunity.
If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, contact Nancy Ouedraogo, organizer and Extension specialist, at esarey@illinois.edu. Early requests are strongly encouraged.
SOURCE: Nancy Ouedraogo, Community and Economic Development Specialist, University of Illinois Extension
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