Berkeley Completes Action Plan to Become More Age-Friendly
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, March 4, 2019
Berkeley, CA – On March 4, the City of Berkeley, a member of AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, finalized and released its action plan to become an age-friendly city.
The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities is an affiliate of the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Program, an international effort launched in 2006 to help cities prepare for rapidly aging populations and the parallel trend of urbanization. When a community joins the AARP Network, it is public commitment on behalf of the community, with support from AARP and network members, to enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages and abilities.
The City of Berkeley joined AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in July 2016. After thoughtful research and collaborating with residents and various partners, the city has finalized an action plan based on the results of the assessment.
“With Berkeley’s senior population expecting to double by 2030, the Age-Friendly Action Plan is essential in paving the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and accessible city,” said Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin. “This plan is the culmination of a two year outreach effort, creating a roadmap developed by resident input, demonstrating our commitment for Berkeley to be a thriving community for everyone.”
The City of Berkeley has committed to improving residents’ livability through implementation of new projects and programs, and ongoing assessments – with a focus on 8 domains of livability: (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; and (8) Community support and health services.
The 4 priority areas of the plan are: (1) Develop a continuum of affordable, accessible housing options for older adults to age in their community regardless of their health or financial status; (2) Advance a network of public and private transportation that equitably serves residents and connects them to services, social activities, and employment opportunities; (3) Develop a more integrated system of services and supports that is person-centered and ensures that all residents have the opportunity to engage in health promoting activities; and (4) Enhance neighborhood cohesion and social connectedness of all Berkeley residents with community events and activities that are inclusive, affordable, and accessible.
“AARP would like to congratulate the City of Berkeley on completing the development of their Age-Friendly Action Plan and their efforts to include older residents in the process,” stated AARP California State Director, Nancy McPherson. “We are thrilled to see the City of Berkeley make strides, in partnership with communities from around the world, to implement innovative strategies that improve livability for people of all ages.”
Nationwide, 318 communities representing more than 75 million residents have received the Age-Friendly designation from AARP. The State of California is home to 30 network communities: Anaheim, Berkeley, Chula Vista, Corte Madera, Culver City, Emeryville, Fairfax, Fremont, Glendale, Healdsburg, La Mesa, Lafayette, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, Marin County, Novato, Oakland, Ross, San Diego, San Diego County, San Francisco, San Jose, San Rafael, Saratoga, Sausalito, Sonoma County, Sunnyvale, West Hollywood, and West Sacramento. To learn more, visit AARP.org/livable.
The full plan can be read on the Age Friendly Berkeley website.
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