County Joins Nationwide Network of Communities Dedicated to Improving Quality of Life for All Residents
Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski yesterday launched the Age-Friendly Baltimore County initiative, an effort that aims to ensure all people, regardless of age, who live, work, play, raise their families and age in Baltimore County do so with the best quality of life possible.
“A better Baltimore County is one where all residents feel welcome and can take comfort in knowing that their needs are being met,” Olszewski said. “Building such a community requires all partners and stakeholders working together and Age-Friendly Baltimore County will bring us together to work toward this important goal.”
According to a press release:
It is projected that 25 percent of Baltimore County residents will be 60 or older by 2020. Recognizing the importance of building communities where all residents can thrive, Olszewski and the Baltimore County Department of Aging earlier this year applied to the World Health Organization (WHO) and AARP to receive an age-friendly community designation.
Age-Friendly Communities commit to improving livability through an assessment of needs, development of an action plan, implementation of new projects and programs, and ongoing assessment—all with the involvement of residents and stakeholder partners. The eight areas of focus are:
- Outdoor spaces and buildings
- Transportation
- Housing
- Social participation
- Respect and social inclusion
- Civic participation and employment
- Communication and information
- Community support and health services
“Our residents are an integral, vibrant part of our communities, and we owe it to all of them to ensure we are cultivating an inclusive, accessible community that boosts their quality of life,” said Laura Riley, Director of the Baltimore County Department of Aging.
Learn more about the Age-Friendly Communities Network from the WHO or AARP. For more information about Baltimore County’s efforts, visit the Department of Aging.
