Ohio joins network of 'age-friendly' states, communities

By Farah Siddiqi

Ohio is responding to its rapidly aging population by joining the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.

Gov. Mike DeWine announced the designation this week, making Ohio the 13th state to commit to policies supporting residents across their life span. The statewide effort builds on local momentum, with 36 Ohio cities and counties already working on age-friendly planning, from "walking audits" in Athens to digital access projects in Darke County.

Jenny Carlson, state director for AARP Ohio, said the new designation will expand their work.

"It’s about making safer streets for families, accessible transportation for older adults, and vibrant neighborhoods where people can stay and get connected and engaged," Carlson explained. "It doesn’t matter whether or not you’re 80 or eight years old, it’s about reimagining what it means to grow up and grow old together."

Ohio’s 65-plus population is growing faster than its school-age population, according to the Department of Aging. More than 1,000 communities nationwide are already enrolled in the AARP Age-Friendly Network.

The designation was announced during the Governor’s Policy Summit on Healthy Aging, a one-day event in Columbus where state leaders, policymakers and health experts gathered to discuss how Ohio can prepare for demographic change.

Carlson pointed out the effort is also about preparing Ohio’s economy for those shifts.

"We know that the economic power of adults 50-plus accounts for 43% of Ohio’s GDP," Carlson noted. "Age-friendly investments yield a three-to-one return and help Ohio attract talent, support families and grow businesses."

At the summit, DeWine described older Ohioans as “the heart of our communities” and said the age-friendly designation is another milestone in making Ohio the best place to age. AARP Ohio and state leaders will now begin a multiyear planning process to assess community needs and track progress.