The Age-Friendly Guidebook

Helping You Navigate the Age-Friendly Process

Table of Contents

Welcome to the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities Guidebook!

This guidebook is designed to provide support and guidance for communities enrolled in the network, as we work together to make states, communities and neighborhoods more inclusive, accessible, and enjoyable for people of all ages.

The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities is a national network dedicated to promoting livable communities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.

The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities was established to structure and champion approaches to livability, inspire engagement by older residents in change efforts, and foster a culture of inclusion. Our network is built upon the World Health Organization's (WHO) Age-Friendly Cities initiative, which recognizes the importance of creating environments that seeks to empower and enable communities to become more age-friendly by addressing the unique needs of their older residents.

Central to this initiative are the Eight Domains of Livability, a framework that identifies key areas for improvement in our communities. These domains include:

• Outdoor spaces and buildings

• Transportation

• Housing

• Social participation

• Respect and social inclusion

• Civic participation and employment

• Communication and information

• Community support and health services

The guidebook provides comprehensive support and guidance to communities striving to meet the expectations of participating in the network. It covers various aspects of the age-friendly community-building process, including:

• Developing leadership teams: Establishing a strong and committed group of partners, including local government, nonprofits, businesses, and residents, to spearhead the agefriendly initiative in your community.

• Conducting a community assessment: Identifying your community's strengths and areas of improvement in relation to the Eight Domains of Livability.

• Developing priorities: Using the community assessment findings to prioritize areas for action and setting realistic, achievable goals for your community.

• Creating and implementing an action plan: Developing a strategic plan that outlines the steps your community will take to address its priorities and ensures that the plan is effectively executed and monitored.

Throughout this guidebook, you'll find valuable resources, best practices, and real-life examples to inspire and inform your community's age-friendly journey. By following the principles and guidance provided in this guidebook, your community will be well on its way to becoming a vibrant, inclusive, and age-friendly place where residents of all ages can thrive.

We encourage you to actively engage residents 50+ in every step of the process, from assessment to implementation and evaluation; the voices of older residents are essential to creating a truly age-friendly community. Together, we can build communities that support and celebrate the diverse needs and contributions of our older residents and forge communities where everyone can thrive, regardless of age. Welcome to the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, and we look forward to supporting you on this exciting journey!

Bill Armbruster Program Manager

AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities

This Guidebook was developed by Bill Armbruster, MS, Program Manager at AARP Network of AgeFriendly States and Communities; Dalan Hwang, MPP, Program Specialist at AARP Livable Communities; and Patricia Oh, Ph.D, MSW, Program Manager at the Center on Aging, University of Maine. Special thanks to the shared experiences of the enrolled communities who have helped shape the Network.

The Age- Friendly Program Process

Members of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities commit to an assessment process and five-year cycle of improvement, the steps of which typically require the member community to:

Step 1: Establish a way to include older residents in all stages of the age -friendly process

 Initiate a system to incorporate older residents in all facets of the age-friendly process.

 This typically involves setting up advisory councils or working groups that include the diversity in your community, including different ages (or older residents).

 The goal is to ensure that older residents actively participate in shaping age-friendly initiatives in the community.

Step 2: Conduct a community needs assessment

 Communities must carry out a community needs assessment.

 Utilize survey examples provided by AARP and their online survey platform.

 The assessment helps pinpoint community strengths and identify the crucial needs and concerns of residents, laying a foundation for targeted action.

Step 3: Develop an action and evaluation plan based on the assessment results

 Communities formulate an action and evaluation plan based on the assessment results.

 The municipality reviews the plan before AARP approves it. Once approved, your community's Network membership extends for three more years. The plan should detail goals and strategies for identified needs.

 It should also include methods for tracking progress and measuring the success of the implemented initiatives.

Step 4: Implement and work toward the goals of the plan

 Upon approval, communities begin implementing their age-friendly action plan.

 This involves working towards the goals outlined in the plan, collaborating with relevant partners, and adjusting strategies as necessary to ensure maximum effectiveness.

Step 5: Assess the impact of implementing the plan and submit progress reports

 Communities should continuously evaluate the impact of their efforts and provide regular updates to partners and residents

 This ongoing evaluation allows communities to refine their approaches, ensuring they stay on track towards achieving their age-friendly goals.

Step 6: Share solutions, successes and best practices across the Network

 An essential part of the program cycle is sharing solutions, successes, and best practices across the network.

 Promote a collaborative environment where member communities can learn from each other and apply proven strategies to their own age-friendly initiatives.

Step 7: Repeat

 The program cycle stresses the importance of continuous improvement and adaptation.

 Communities should repeat the process, incorporating lessons learned and insights gained from each cycle.

The network promotes an ongoing cycle of continuous improvement, focusing on the importance of including older residents in every stage of the process. This approach not only empowers older adults but also ensures that the solutions implemented are tailored to meet the unique needs and preferences of residents.

The

8

Domains of Livability

is the framework used by states and communities enrolled in the network to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for older residents and people of all ages. The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of the very young, the very old, and everyone in between.

Domain:

Outdoor Spaces & Buildings

People need public places to gather indoors and out. Green spaces, seating and accessible buildings (elevators, zero-step entrances, staircases with railings) can be used and enjoyed by people of all ages

Nearly three -quarters of adults (73%) say it is important to have safe, well-lit parks that give residents places to gather and interact with friends.

Source: AARP Home and Community preferences Survey 11/21

Resources:

Creating Parks and Public Spaces

The Pop-up Placemaking Toolkit

The Walk Audit Toolkit

Creating Community Gardens for People of All Ages

Domain:

Housing

We spend more time in our homes than anywhere else, so housing costs, choices, and accessibility are critical. Great communities provide housing opportunities for people of all ages, incomes, and abilities.

More than three -quarters of adults ages 50 and older want to stay in their homes (77%) and communities (79%) as they age.

Source: AARP Home and Community preferences Survey 11/21

Resources:

Making Room for ‘Making Room’

The ABCs of ADUs

AARP HomeFit Guide

Discovering and Developing Missing Middle Housing

Roadmap to Livability: Housing Workbook

Domain: Transportation

Driving shouldn’t be the only way to get around. Pedestrians need sidewalks and safe, crossable streets. Moving easily and safely from one place to another vastly improves quality of life.

Well-maintained, accessible and safe streets are reported as being among the most important community features for transportation.

Source: AARP Home and Community preferences Survey 11/21

Resources:

Future of Transportation

Roadmap to Livability: Transportation Workbook

AARP Public Policy Institute Transportation Resources

Rightsizing Transportation Technology for Rural America

Innovations in Rural Public Transportation

Domain:

Social Participation

Participating in social activities makes people feel as if they matter to a community, which provides a sense of meaning and belonging. Social activities can help relieve the angst of perceived social isolation.

Top predictors of loneliness: size and diversity of an individual’s social network and being physically isolated. Other contributing factors include age, depression, urbanicity, anxiety and overall health

Source: Loneliness and Social Connections: Survey of Adults 45 and Older, 2018

Resources:

Engaging the Community Creates Community Community Guide to Accessible Events and Meetings (Seattle)

AARP Community Commons

AARP Experience Corps

Domain:

Respect & Social Inclusion

Everyone wants to feel valued. Socially inclusive gatherings and activities are a great way for people to learn from one another, honor what each has to offer and, at the same time, feel good about themselves.

A strong majority (71%) of adults ages 50+ believe it’s important for their community to treat all residents equally regardless of race, gender, age, ethnic background, sexual orientation, or other differences.

Source: AARP Home and Community preferences Survey 11/21

Resources:

Disrupt Aging Equity By Design

Reframe Aging

Domain: Civic Engagement & Employment

Why does work need to be an all or nothing experience? An age-friendly community encourages older people to be actively engaged in community life and has opportunities for residents to work for pay or volunteer their skills.

Holding a perception that one can make a difference on problems that exist in their community is a top predictor of 50+ civic engagement.

Source: Connecting, Serving, and Giving: Civic Engagement Among Mid -Life and Older Adults, 2019

Domain:

Communication & Information

Age-friendly communities recognize that information needs to be shared through a variety of methods since not everyone is techsavvy, and not everyone has a smartphone or home-based access to the internet.

76% of adults age 50-plus place high importance on having access to reliable and affordable in-home high-speed Internet.

Source: AARP Home and Community preferences Survey 11/21

Resources:

Roadmap to Livability: Community Listening Toolkit

Exploring Digital Equity Fact Sheet Series

AARP Free E-Newsletters

Domain:

Health & Community Services

Community support is strongly connected to good health and well -being throughout life, alongside accessible and affordable health care services, which are vital for maintaining health and independence.

U.S. adults age 45+ think many healthcare issues are important: staying mentally sharp (96%), staying physically healthy (92%), having adequate health insurance coverage (91%)

Source: Vital Voices: Issues that impact U.S. Adults Age 45 and Older; 9/2021

Resources:

RTL: Health Services and Community Supports Workbook

AARP Prepare to Care Guide

Roadmap to Livability: Health Services Workbook

Amplifying Voices: Engaging Diverse Perspectives

Elevating Diverse Voices

In the pursuit of creating truly inclusive and accessible communities, it's essential to honor the diverse experiences, needs, and perspectives of all residents. Communities that value individuals, regardless of age, race, culture, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio -economic status, educational background, or disability, enrich themselves with a multitude of perspectives and experiences. Here are some strategies to foster inclusivity, encourage participation, and build impactful relationships:

 Cultivating Connections: Engage with local organizations, community leaders, and cultural groups to gain a nuanced understanding of the needs and viewpoints in your community.

 Encouraging Dialogue: Deepen your understanding of the values and experiences of individuals from a range of backgrounds by actively listening and promoting open conversations.

 Promoting Cultural Adaptability: Develop initiatives that are sensitive to the cultural, linguistic, and social needs of all community members.

 Advocating Clear Communication: Employ simple language, visual aids, and translation services to accommodate varying language proficiencies and literacy levels.

 Nurturing Unity: Promote a sense of belonging and togetherness by embracing and celebrating the diversity within your community.

 Enhancing Cultural Awareness: Offer cultural competency training for staff and volunteers to cultivate understanding, empathy, and sensitivity towards diverse cultures.

 Upholding Accountability: Address community concerns in a timely, transparent manner to foster trust and confidence.

 Challenging Systemic Bias: Take proactive measures to confront and eliminate discriminatory policies and practices that perpetuate inequities.

 Championing Outreach and Advocacy: Actively uplift the voices of underrepresented groups in decision-making processes through consistent advocacy.

 Investing in Sustainability: Prioritize long-term relationship-building founded on mutual respect and collaboration with all segments of your community.

Ensuring that the Voices of Older Adults are Included

The importance of actively involving older adults in age-friendly community work cannot be overstated. Here are some strategies that emphasize their participation and engagement:

 Inclusive Engagement: Invite older adults to play a pivotal role in planning and carrying out community events, paying close attention to fostering inclusivity that accounts for diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

 Opportunities for Active Participation: Ensure older adults' voices are heard and valued in community matters by facilitating their involvement in councils, forums, and focus groups, providing necessary adaptations for full participation.

 Valuing Experienced Perspectives: Recognize and integrate the unique insights of older adults in community planning and decision-making processes.

 Accessible Communication: Work together to develop outreach materials that are age-friendly and comprehensible to all, thereby promoting an inclusive environment.

 Empowerment Through Co-Creation: Collaborate with older adults to develop empowering education and training programs that reflect their needs and interests.

 Participation in Assessments: Involve older adults in the design and implementation of community surveys and assessments, harnessing their insights for a more accurate picture of community needs.

 Exchange of Ideas: Facilitate regular "listening sessions" that encourage dialogue between community leaders and older adults, fostering mutual understanding and respect.

 Feedback Integration: Actively incorporate feedback from older adults in community improvement plans, thereby acknowledging their valuable contribution.

 Leveraging Established Networks: Engage with older adults through pre-existing community networks, ensuring their needs are at the center of community planning.

 Policy Co-Creation: Advocate alongside older adults for policies and legislation that effectively address their needs, empowering them and enhancing their well-being.

Engaging Partners: Getting Started

Here is an overview of steps that communities should consider in the first several months after enrolling. By following these steps, a community can lay the groundwork for a successful agefriendly initiative that enhances the quality of life for all residents, regardless of age.

 Identify the Convener(s): The first step is to identify the convener(s) of the project, who will be the main point(s) of contact and the driving force behind the initiative. These convener(s) could be from local government, higher education, non-profits, funders or community members with a vested interest in making the community more age-friendly. They will be responsible for coordinating the initiative and ensuring that all necessary steps are taken. lLearn Morel tActivity Sheett

 Build a Leadership Team: Next, the convener(s) should build a diverse and inclusive leadership team. This team should include representatives from different sectors and backgrounds within the community, such as government, business, education, healthcare, transportation, housing, and social services, as well as older adults themselves. The team will be responsible for planning and implementing age-friendly policies and practices.

lLearn Morel tActivity Sheett

 Engage Partners: In addition to the leadership team, it's crucial to engage a broader group of partners. This includes residents of all ages, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, and other entities that have an interest in improving the community for older adults. Engaging partners early on helps to ensure buy-in and broad-based support for the initiative. tActivity Sheett

 Communicate About the Enrollment with the Community: The convener(s) and leadership team should develop a communication plan to inform the community about enrollment in the Network. This might include press releases, community meetings, social media posts, newsletters, and other methods of communication. Share the vision and goals of the initiative and encourage residents to participate in the process. The goal is to create awareness, excitement, and engagement around the initiative.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed,

it’s the only thing that ever has .”

– Margaret Mead

 Plan for a Community Assessment: Once the leadership team is in place and the community is informed about the initiative, the next step is to plan for an age-friendly assessment that includes the eight domains of livability.

 Develop a timeline: Establish a realistic timeline for completing the community assessment, developing an action plan, and implementing the necessary changes. This timeline should include milestones and deadlines to keep the initiative on track and maintain momentum.

 Training and Capacity Building: It’s crucial to ensure that the leadership team and other key partners have the necessary skills and knowledge to implement an agefriendly community initiative (AARP members-only monthly webinars will give you ideas for implementation, advice from long-established leaders, and connect you with your peers)!

 Initiate Dialogues: Start conversations about what it means to be age-friendly, and how this can be achieved in your community. This could be done through town hall meetings, focus groups, or online surveys. tActivity Sheett

 Connect with other age -friendly communities: Reach out to other communities within the AARP Network to learn from their experiences, share best practices, and gather ideas for age-friendly initiative.

lLearn Morel about getting started with the AARP Roadmap to Livability, Book 1: Strategies and solutions that make a community great for people of all ages

The Circles of Involvement Model: Identifying and Engaging partners

Developing an age-friendly community requires the involvement and engagement of various partners who have a direct or indirect impact on the lives of older adults. These partners may include local government officials, community leaders, businesses, non-profit organizations, healthcare providers, and older adults themselves. To identify and engage partners in the process of developing an age-friendly community, the "Circles of Involvement" model can be used. This model consists of five concentric circles, with the core team in the innermost circle and the other four circles representing different levels of engagement.

Using the "Circles of Involvement" model can help to identify and engage partners at all levels of the community in the development of an age-friendly community. By engaging partners in each of the five circles, the core team can ensure that the age-friendly community plan is inclusive, representative, and supported by the community as a whole.

Community Engagement Exercise

This interactive activity engages community stakeholders and residents in shaping an age-friendly community initiative.

Resources

Instruction Guide Age-Friendly Slide Deck

Eight Domains of Livability Graphic Circles of Involvement Graphic

Core Team (Innermost Circle): The core team is made up of individuals who are responsible for the development and implementation of the age-friendly initiative. This team typically includes representatives from local government, community organizations, and healthcare providers. The core team plays a crucial role in identifying and engaging partners at all levels of the community.

Circle of Engagement: The circle of engagement includes partners who are directly impacted by the age-friendly community plan. This circle may include older adults, caregivers, and representatives from senior centers or retirement communities. The goal of engaging partners in this circle is to ensure that their voices are heard and their priorities are addressed in the development of the age-friendly community plan.

Circle of Champions: The circle of champions includes partners who are passionate about the agefriendly community plan and are willing to advocate for it. This circle may include local business owners, community leaders, and elected officials. Engaging partners in this circle can help to build support for the age-friendly community plan and generate momentum for its implementation.

Circle of Information and Awareness: The circle of information and awareness includes partners who may not be directly impacted by the age-friendly community plan but have an interest in it. This circle may include members of the media, academic researchers, and policymakers. Engaging partners in this circle can help to raise awareness of the benefits of age-friendly communities and generate support for the age-friendly community plan.

Circle of Possibility: The circle of possibility includes partners who may not currently be engaged in the development of the age-friendly community plan but have the potential to become involved in the future. This circle may include youth groups, faith-based organizations, and cultural groups. Engaging partners in this circle can help to expand the reach of the age-friendly community plan and ensure that it is inclusive of all members of the community.

Creating Mission, Vision, and Value Statements

Your mission, vision, and value statements should inspire, align and guide your community's actions towards building an age -friendly community. Together, they form the foundation for strategic planning and decision-making processes in your initiative.

• Mission statements outline the immediate goals and objectives of your age -friendly work, providing a roadmap.

• Vision statements paint a picture of the long-term future and aspirations of the community involved, offering inspiration and a long-range target for efforts.

• Value statements distill the core principles and ethical standards guiding the process, ensuring the initiative aligns with the community's fundamental beliefs.

Once you’ve finalized your mission, vision, and value statements, enter them into this tActivity Sheett for your records.

Mission Statement

This briefly outlines your initiative's purpose, objectives, and core values. To develop:

 Identify Your Core Values: These are the bedrock principles of your age-friendly work. Examples might be respect for all ages, inclusivity, or improving quality of life for all as they age.

 Generate Key Phrases : Craft phrases that embody your plan, such as enhancing accessibility, fostering inclusivity, or providing age-friendly services.

 Refine the Language: Make your wording concise, clear, and inspiring.

 Write the Mission Statement: Ensure it reflects your initiative's purpose, values, and objectives.

 Gather and Implement Feedback: Solicit opinions from partners and revise as needed.

Activity Sheet

Vision Statement

This describes the future state you aim to achieve through your age-friendly initiative:

 Understand Your Initiative's Objectives : Be clear on what you hope to achieve, such as inclusive social activities, improved access to healthcare, or accessible transportation.

 Consider Long-term Impact: Envision your desired outcome in the next 5, 10, or 20 years.

 Align Vision with Core Values: Ensure your vision is consistent with your community's values.

 Reflect on Older Adults' Aspirations: Incorporate the contribution of older people, what residents need to thrive as they age in the community, now and into the future.

 Draft the Vision Statement: Write a concise statement that conveys your long-term vision.

 Refine and Finalize: Review, modify and finalize the vision to accurately reflect your initiative's goals.

Value Statements

These emphasize your initiative's guiding principles:

 Identify Core Principles : Determine the principles critical to your initiative, such as respect, empowerment, or diversity.

 Generate Core Value Propositions : Craft phrases embodying these principles.

 Refine the Propositions : Refine the language for conciseness, clarity, and impact.

 Draft Value Statements : Write clear, inspiring value statements reflecting your initiative's principles.

 Gather Partner Feedback: Solicit partner input for resonance and relevance.

 Revise as Needed: Incorporate feedback to ensure your value statements represent your principles effectively.

Organizing for Impact

Communities that are part of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities often use a variety of tools to organize and structure their work, which can guide their strategic planning, program implementation, and evaluation efforts. These can be used separately, or they can be combined, depending on the specific needs, goals, and context of the work you are doing. Here are some examples:

First, remember that Age-Friendly changes benefit all ages. When you are engaging the community and other partners, it can help to show the Age -Friendly Impact on the Social Determinants of Health.

Social Determinants of Health (SDOH): In age-friendly communities, every resident has the opportunity to enjoy the best possible health and well-being. When we think of health, we tend to think of genetics, individual lifestyle choices, and access to health care. However, health is also determined by a range of social, economic, and environmental factors, including: access to quality, affordable healthcare, education throughout the lifespan, feeling of community/neighborhood belonging, safe and accessible public spaces, inclusive, welcoming social and civic environments and economic well-being

Although these factors are outside an individual’s control, they shape the conditions in which people live, work, play, and age, which, studies show, has a greater influence on health and well being than biology. Many of the accomplishments of age-friendly communities are related to the SDOH. For example, age-friendly might work to ensure affordable housing for older adults, promote lifelong learning opportunities, or improve access to safe and affordable transportation. tActivity Sheett

Tools for Change: Without a clear map, it is harder to arrive at your destination. These tools will help your team organize your work, identify priorities, assign tasks, and show meaningful impact. They also help concisely share your goals (and why they matter) with partners.

Theory of Change: This is a comprehensive description and illustration of how and why a desired change is expected to happen in a particular context. It focuses on mapping out what a program or initiative does (its activities or interventions) and how this leads to desired goals being achieved. It does this by first identifying the desired long-term goals and then works back to identify all the conditions (outcomes) that must be in place for the goals to occur.

tActivity Sheett

 Logic Model: A logic model is a systematic and visual way to present and share an understanding of the relationships among the resources you have to operate your program, the activities you plan to do, and the changes or results you hope to achieve. It details the inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes of a program or initiative, creating a roadmap for implementation and evaluation. For example, an Age-Friendly community might use a logic model to map out how additional park benches (input) will lead to more outdoor activities for older adults (output), which then promotes better physical health in the community (outcome). lLearn Morel at the University of Kansas Community Toolbox. tActivity Sheett

Organizing Models. Social change theory can help guide the work of age-friendly, especially as you structure community engagement and work to develop strong collaborations with partners to make long-term, sustainable change.

 Engage and understand your community and recruit volunteers with Asset -Based Community Development (ABCD): ABCD is a model that recognizes the strengths, gifts, talents and resources of individuals and communities, and helps communities to mobilize and build on these for sustainable development. Age-Friendly Communities may use the model to engage the community, understand the resources available to make change, and recruit residents for the core team and for domain initiatives. lLearn Morel

 Building strong collaborations with Collective Impact: This model involves multiple organizations or entities from different sectors committing to solve a specific social problem using a common agenda, aligning their efforts, and using common measures of success. Age-Friendly communities might use this model to bring together various partners like city government, non-profit organizations, and businesses to improve livability for older adults. To explore the ability of partners to commitment to the shared vision of age-friendly, lLearn Morel

 Structuring Change with Strategic Doing: This model enables quick and flexible collaborations among individuals and organizations, encouraging strategic action in adaptive networks. Rather than following a rigid plan, it constantly adjusts to changing circumstances, promoting trust and transformation. In Age-Friendly communities, Strategic Doing can unite stakeholders like local government, non-profits, businesses, and older adults, to collaboratively tackle common goals, such as improving transportation or fostering intergenerational bonds, continuously refining strategies based on progress and learning. To learn more and to organize your age-friendly to keep all the partners working together and moving the initiative forward, lLearn Morel

Age-Friendly Ecosystem

The Age -Friendly Ecosystem is a collaborative effort that unites six diverse sectors to achieve collective impact, creating more inclusive and supportive environments for older adults. The ecosystem's collaborative approach ensures that these sectors work together to enhance the lives of people of all ages.

The AARP Network of Age -Friendly States and Communities supports the work of local, regional and state governments as they prepare for the nation’s changing demographics. Established in 2012, the network includes towns, cities, counties and states that have made a commitment to being more livable for people of all ages, and especially older adults. (Framework: 8 Domains of Livability - Outdoor Spaces and Building, Transportation, Housing, Social participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Work and Civic Engagement, Communication and Information, Community and Health Services.) Learn More

Age -Friendly Health Systems , established in 2016, is an initiative of The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, in partnership with the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United States, designed to meet this challenge head-on. (Framework: 4 Ms - What Matters, Medication, Mentation, Mobility.) Learn More

The Age -Friendly University Global Network, established in 2012, is a network of higher education institutions committed to promoting positive and healthy aging and enhancing the lives of older members of the global community through innovative educational programs, research agendas, curriculum development, online education, health and wellness activities, arts and culture programs and civic engagement opportunities. (Framework: 10 Principles) Learn More

Trust for America’s Health established plans for Age -Friendly Public Health Systems and identified the public health 6Cs framework in 2017. Public health departments can serve as a convener to identify common objectives and develop multi-sector partnerships to meet these objectives. (Framework: 6Cs - Creating, Connecting, Coordinating, Collecting, Communicating, Complementing) Learn More

Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

USAging is the national association representing and supporting the network of Area Agencies on Aging and advocating for the Title VI Native American Aging Programs. The goal is to help older adults and people with disabilities throughout the United States live with optimal health, wellbeing, independence and dignity in their homes and communities. (Framework: Home & Community-based Services) Learn More

Age -Friendly Workplace/Business

There are currently no national convening organizations for age-friendly businesses or employers. Learn more by reading this article Creating ‘Age -Friendly’ Businesses and exploring the AARP Employer Resource Center for age-friendly employers who want to strengthen their age-inclusive policies and procedures.

Learn more by exploring the Age -Friendly Ecosystem map tool , designed to enhance partnerships within states by providing information about each of the age-friendly movements across the U.S. Although there are other agefriendly initiatives (e.g. Age-Friendly Universities and Dementia Friendly Communities), this map will focus on: AgeFriendly Public Health Systems, Age-Friendly Health Systems, Age-Friendly Communities, Area Agencies on Agency/Planning Service Areas.

“How are you engaging across the ecosystem?”

Developing a Communications Strategy

By addressing the following components in your communications strategy, you can ensure that the age-friendly initiative is well-publicized, receives adequate community involvement, and evolves based on informed feedback.

Define the Objectives of your Communications Strategy:

 Raise Awareness: Make sure the community knows that the age-friendly initiative exists and what its goals are.

 Engage the Community: Encourage participation from diverse sectors, including older adults, local organizations, and local government.

 Provide Updates: Keep the community informed about ongoing projects, achievements, and any changes in plans.

Identify your Target Audience:

 General Public: This includes all age groups, as creating an age-friendly community benefits everyone.

 Older Adults: People 50+ are central to age-friendly so it is vital to encourage engagement and solicit feedback from the older residents in your community.

 Local Businesses and Organizations: Collaboration can bring about more impactful changes.

Develop your Messaging:

 Inclusive Language: Use language that is inclusive, respectful, and easy to understand.

 Key Messages: Develop succinct, clear messages that outline the initiative’s objectives, benefits, and ways to get involved.

 Branding: Create a recognizable logo or visual theme that will be consistent across all materials. See Examples of Logos

Identify Community Outreach Channels:

 Traditional Media: Newspapers, newsletters, radio, and local TV can be effective for reaching a broad audience, including those who may not be online.

 Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram can engage the entire community, including older adults, in sharing information and updates.

 Community Meetings: Can be in-person or virtual to ensure accessibility for everyone.

 Local Partnerships: Leverage relationships with local businesses, schools, and other community centers to disseminate information.

Determine the Frequency and Timing of Communications:

 Launching your initiative: Have more frequent communications to build awareness and momentum.

 Ongoing Communications: Ensure regular updates through traditional media, newsletters, social media, and community meetings.

Develop Feedback Mechanisms:

 Surveys and Questionnaires: Use these tools, not only for your community assessment, but to gather opinions on ongoing projects or potential new ones.

 Public Forums: Hold open meetings where community members can provide direct input.

Monitor and Evaluate the Effectiveness of your Outreach:

 Analytics: Track engagement metrics on digital platforms.

 Feedback Review: Regularly review feedback to gauge community sentiment and make necessary adjustments to the strategy.

 Document the Journey: Capture milestones, success stories, lessons learned, and evolution over time. This documentation informs future strategies, preserves a record and inspires change.

The following activity sheets will guide you through creating an inventory of media sources.

 Media Outlet Inventory (Print) tActivity Sheett

 Media Outlet Inventory (TV) tActivity Sheett

 Media Outlet Inventory (Radio) tActivity Sheett

 Media Outlet Inventory (Online) tActivity Sheett

 Additional Outreach Outlets tActivity Sheett

Click here to access the Promotional Toolkit

Use this resource to help you engage and inform your community about the ongoing age-friendly initiative, including announcing your enrollment in the network, fostering participation in your assessment process, and more.

“To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding

as a guide to our communications with others”

- Tony Robbins

Conducting a Community Assessment

The age-friendly community assessment, a pivotal first step, provides a benchmark to track future age-friendly advancements and appreciate the community's present situation. This thorough process aims to comprehensively outline the community's strengths, challenges, and age-related opportunities.

Asset Inventory:

Initiate the community assessment by identifying resources, services, and opportunities crucial for the health and well-being of older residents, such as healthcare facilities, parks, community centers, transportation systems, intergenerational activities, etc. tActivity Sheett

Comprehensive Community Profile/Census Data Analysis: Recognizing your community's demographic composition is essential. Use census data to understand your community's age distribution, socioeconomic status, race and ethnicity, employment, housing, and other relevant aspects. This will inform the unique needs of your aging community.

Community Survey:

Surveys provide direct data from community members:

 Review Previous Surveys: Before crafting a new survey, consider previously conducted surveys to avoid redundancy and augment existing data. tActivity Sheett

 Request a Survey: Age-friendly network communities can request an online survey.

 Design a Survey: Use AARP-provided surveys like Maine and Miami's age-friendly surveys as templates, covering key age-friendly areas.

 Dissemination Strategy: Devise a plan for broad survey distribution, including online methods, mailing, collaborations with local organizations, or events.

Community Listening Sessions:

Hosting listening sessions allows community members to express concerns, ideas, and experiences. Ensure diverse participation by conducting sessions across various community locations. With participant consent, record these sessions for detailed analysis. lLearn Morel about getting started with the AARP Roadmap to Livability, Book 2: Community Listening Session Toolkit. tActivity Sheett

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”

– Margaret J. Wheatley

Data Analysis:

After data collection, identify trends, strengths, gaps, and opportunities in your community's age-friendliness.

The community assessment aims to solidify your age-friendly initiative's foundation. The assessment's insights will guide your action plan, enabling you to prioritize improvement areas, leverage community strengths, and track progress. Include a diverse range of stakeholders in this process, particularly older adults, who are the initiative's primary beneficiaries. lLearn Morel tActivity Sheett

To access your community's census data through the Age -Friendly Portal, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Age-Friendly Portal (email aarpagefriendlynetwork@aarp.org if you do not have an account)

2. Under "Quick Links", select "Community Directory“.

3. Enter your community's name in the search bar and hit "Find Communities".

4. Click on your community's hyperlink name.

5. Scroll to "Population Statistics" or click on the "Census Profile" link for further details.

Requesting an AARP Community Survey

To request a survey, fill out the Survey Request Form and email it to aarpage-friendlynetwork@aarp.org. Go here to preview the survey.

Please note:

 The standard survey applies to all communities and isn't editable.

 After receiving your form, a meeting with AARP Research will be arranged to discuss your survey.

 You'll decide the survey's open and close dates.

 You'll receive full data and question-by-question summaries within a week post-closure.

 Surveys are electronic, but printable for those without online access.

Creating an Action Plan

An age-friendly action plan is a comprehensive strategy developed by communities enrolled in the network to improve the quality of life of their residents. It is a framework designed to help communities create an environment that is supportive and inclusive of people of all ages, but particularly older adults. The plan typically involves a set of policies, programs, and initiatives that build on community strengths to promote the health and well-being of residents and improve access to resources, services, and the built environment. The goal of an age-friendly action plan is to create an environment that allows residents to remain active, healthy, and engaged in their communities as they age.

Elements of an Action Plan

 Cover Page : This is the first page of your document.

 Introduction Letter: A welcome note from your mayor or elected official.

 Table of Contents : A list of topics and page numbers to help readers navigate through the document.

 About Your Community: This section should include:

 A brief description of your community.

 Information about your community's demographics, like age groups, ethnic backgrounds, homeowners vs. renters, and drivers vs. non-drivers.

 A summary of what makes your community age-friendly.

 The Plan's Introduction: This part of the document should outline:

 The mission statement of the plan.

 The vision for an age-friendly community and the core values, particularly highlighting the opinions of people over 50.

 Who participated in making the plan, including committees, groups, and how older and diverse populations were included.

To read and download action plans from other communities:

Communities Map (Public) Age-Friendly Portal – Community Directory

 A summary of what you've learned from assessing your community, how it was conducted, who participated, and important lessons that will influence the plan.

 Who will be in charge of carrying out the plan.

 Any other essential information, like the AARP Livability Index score.

 Detailed Action Plans : This section should elaborate on the strategic framework the eight domains of livability for planning, including:

 Clearly specify the intended result or outcome that you hope to achieve for each of the action items you are focusing on.

 Detail the action items necessary to reach the stated objectives.

 Provide an estimated timeline, showing when activities should begin and end.

 Identify the specific individuals, groups, or organizations who will lead each action and mention any entities that will be collaborating on these tasks.

 List the tools, finances, personnel, and any other resources needed to execute each task successfully within each of the eight domains.

 Explain how you plan to assess the progress towards achieving each goal and provide any existing baseline data that will serve as a comparison point.

 Additionally, create an action plan matrix that outlines all the action plan activities, presenting a clear, visual representation of the full plan (pages 30-31) tActivity Sheett

 Appendices and Supporting Documents : Additional information and supporting documents related to your action plan.

Submitting Your Action Plan: Follow These Steps

1. Fill out the Online Form: a. Include community name, submitter's details, local government consent. b. Share up to three exciting action items. c. Provide an overview of your plan's main themes. d. List the number of partner organizations involved.

2. Upload Plan to the Action Plan Library:

1. Title: “[Municipal Type] of [Community Name], [State Abbrev.] Action Plan."

2. Select "Action Plan Library" in the dropdown.

3. Optionally, add a description.

4. Choose "standard file upload."

5. Select a thumbnail image (automatic).

6. Click "next" > "choose and upload" > navigate to your PDF > "finish."

Age-Friendly Ac

Domain Name:

Vision for this Domain:

Objectives/Activities By whom By when

What needs to be done?

Who will be responsible for getting it done?

By what date will the action be done?

Resources and suppo available/needed

Resources available

Resource (financia political,

Creating an Action Plan Matrix tActivity Sheett

Creating an age-friendly community requires strategic planning and execution. The Age-Friendly Action Plan Matrix aims to guide you through a comprehensive approach, laying out the framework for creating a more inclusive environment for all, especially for older adults.

Each aspect of this matrix is structured to answer the what, who, when, and how of developing an age-friendly community, ensuring that each objective is well-thought-out and achievable. Below is a breakdown of the criteria to help you fill out your action plan matrix:

 Domain Name:

 Vision for this Domain:

 Objectives/Actions: What needs to be done?

 By whom: Who will be responsible for getting it done?

 By when: By what date will the action be done?

ction Plan Matrix

es needed al, human, l, etc.)

or resistance

Which individuals/orga nizations might resist? How?

Participants: Who will we reach

Activities: What we will do

Products: What we will create

and MediumTerm Impact

Short Term- What will people learn/experience?

Medium Term— What actions will we change?

Change to the environment for aging in your community (Social, Service, Built, and Economic)

 Resources and support available/needed: Resources available; resources needed (financial, human, political, etc.)

 Potential barriers or resistance: Which individuals/organizations might resist? How?

 Outputs: Who will we reach; what we will do; what will we create?

 Outcomes – Impact: Short Term What will people learn/experience? Knowledge, Skills, Interests, Motivations; Medium Term What actions will we change? behavior, policies, contributions; Long-Term Change to the environment for aging in your community (Social, Service, Built, and Economic)

 Who is responsible for maintaining and updating information?

 Frequency of Meetings

Writing a Progress Report

The most important aspect of your progress report is to acknowledge and appreciate the strides you've made over the past few years. The best use of your progress report is to share your accomplishments with municipal decision-makers, partners, and the community. To make the report more impactful, you can consider it as an engagement and planning tool to further enhance an age-friendly future. After you submit the progress report and it is accepted by AARP, you will be presented with a plaque honoring your accomplishments.

Elements of a Progress Report

Before You Start Writing Your Progress Report

Review your action plan and assess the status of your action items/goals.

 Reach out to the lead organization responsible for each action item/goal in your plan and request an update on the progress. The progress update should include:

 Input/Activity - what did you do? What actions were taken?

 Output – how did you measure progress? How was progress measured?

 Outcome - as a result, what changes were made/achieved?

 Highlights (metrics or stories)

 What’s the overall status (completed; in-progress; re-evaluating; canceled; delayed)?

Outline Your Progress Report

What Are You Most Proud of

 Summary that highlights at least 3 of your community’s key achievements

How You Got Here

 By providing the following information, you can share insights into the steps taken to develop and implement an age-friendly initiative. Briefly describe the process of how your age-friendly initiative was developed:

 Outline how your age-friendly process was structured and organized

 Detail how your age-friendly leadership team was formed and how it evolved over time

 Identify the various organizations and stakeholders engaged in the initiative (municipal departments, nonprofits, healthcare, higher education, etc.) and describe their roles

 Explain how residents were engaged throughout the age-friendly process

 Describe the methods used to track the implementation of your action plan

To read and download progress reports from other communities: AARP Livable Communities Map (Public) Age-Friendly Portal – Community Directory

What You Did

 What have you accomplished?

 Update status of action items/goals and any metrics achieved

 i.e. completed; in-progress; re-evaluating; cancelled; delayed

 Share the impact that your work has had on the community (pictures and stories are great additions to showcase this impact)

 Celebrate the collaborations and partners that helped move the work forward

 If applicable, describe any course adjustments that you needed to make

 Share other accomplishments that may not have been part of your original plan

What You Learned

 What were key challenges faced by your age-friendly initiative? How did you address them?

 What were some of the benefits of going through the age-friendly process?

 What are some successful practices that you will continue using moving forward?

 What opportunities arose after you wrote your action plan that you were able to leverage?

 Were you able to expand your reach to include a more diverse range of partners throughout the process?

What Are Your Next Steps?

 How will you build upon what you’ve accomplished to expand the scope of age-friendly?

 Share any new opportunities you will be tackling and how you will do it

 Have your mission, vision, and values evolved?

 Describe your future aspirations

Submitting Your Progress Report: Follow These Steps

1. Fill out the Online Form: a. Include community name, submitter's details, local government consent. b. Share exciting outcomes. c. List the number of partner organizations involved.

2. Upload Plan to the Progress Report Library:

1. Title: “[Municipal Type] of [Community Name], [State Abbrev.] Progress Report."

2. Select “Progress Report Library" in the dropdown.

3. Optionally, add a description.

4. Choose "standard file upload."

5. Select a thumbnail image (automatic).

6. Click "next" > "choose and upload" > navigate to your PDF > "finish."