Age-Friendly Albuquerque

What does it mean to be an Age-Friendly Albuquerque?

An Age-Friendly city is a designation from AARP and the World Health Organization (WHO) that recognizes a community for livability standards that enable people of all ages to live in a community that offers safe choices in where to live, how to get around, and equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds.  More importantly, an Age-Friendly city implements the types of changes that make communities more livable for people of all ages, proactively preparing all residents for the longevity of aging.  AARP and the WHO focus on the "8 Domains of Livability" as a framework for communities working to implement best practices to be more age-friendly.  

These are the main aspects of the 8 Domains:

• Communication and Information - To keep people informed and connected with their communities through easily accessible and understandable information.
• Respect and Social Inclusion - To create a responsible and inclusive community that recognizes the contributions of people of all ages and abilities.
• Health and Community Support - To provide resources and programs that support access to healthy and engaged living.
• Civic Participation and Employment - To increase opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in the community in ways that are meaningful to them
• Housing - To provide resources and policies that allow for safe and accessible dwellings for people of all ages and abilities.
• Transportation - To improve mobility options and resources for people of all ages and abilities.
• Social Participation - To provide plentiful and diverse opportunities that encourage social engagement for people of all ages and abilities.
• Outdoor Spaces and Buildings - To create safe and accessible outdoor spaces and buildings for people of all ages and abilities.

Why is an Age-Friendly Community Important?

All people of all ages should be afforded the ability to safely cross the street, ride a bike, get around without a car, work or volunteer, enjoy public places, socialize, spend time outdoors, be entertained, have access to healthy and nutritious food, and find the services they need to maintain a comfortable quality of life while aging in place. 

Age-Friendly communities can thrive when:

• Aging issues are a top priority.
• The city’s future plan includes economic growth, urban development, and the expansion of health and community services.
• Advocacy engages younger generations to prepare for longer lives.

How can people participate?

Provide a commitment from your business, organization, or as an individual who wants to help advocate and address aging issues in their community. 

How will this work?

With a call to action and community-led work – the Age-Friendly Action Plan is a living document that will span over three to five years, identifying areas that can expand Age-Friendly services, programming, and activities.