The Age-Friendly Baltimore County initiative focuses on improving the quality of living for all County residents that want to live, work, play and age in our County Age-Friendly communities:
- Enable people of all ages and abilities to actively participate in community activities.
- Treat people with respect, regardless of age.
- Make it easy for older people to stay connected to people that are important to them and or the community.
- Helps people stay healthy and active regardless of their abilities and age.
- Provides appropriate support to those who can't look after themselves.
Age-Friendly
AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities is the United States affiliate of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Program, an international effort to help cities prepare for rapid population aging and the parallel trend of urbanization. There are eight domains that AARP, based on the WHO’s work, suggest we work on:
- Outdoor spaces
- Transportation
- Housing
- Social participation
- Respect and social inclusion
- Civic participation and employment
- Communications and information
- Community and health services
Action Plan
Partnering with community agencies and dedicated volunteers, Baltimore County created an Age-Friendly Action Plan that identifies new projects and programs to improve residents’ quality of life. Implementation of the goals identified in the Action plan are underway.
Progress
Building on successful systems already in place and best practices from around the country, Baltimore County is taking steps to meet the needs of the counties older adults. Some of the programs that have been created include: Cyberseniors Technology Mentors and Senior Plant Workshops that provide education on how to use technology for telehealth appointments and connecting with family and friends. Baltimore County Age-Friendly Upgrades for Seniors, BCAUSE, helps seniors remain in their homes as they age. The County Circulator Loop buses are all equipped with lifts increasing mobility options for county residents of all abilities.
Contact Information
For more information on Age-Friendly Baltimore County, please contact Mary Wontrop, Age-Friendly Coordinator, at 410-887-7985 or afbc@baltimorecountymd.gov