Riverhead Town Considering AARP's Network of Age Friendly Communities

Just 13 years from now 8,000 baby boomers will be turning 80 years old every day. AARP has 65,000 members over the age of 100 across the United States. We have 2.4 million members (11,000 in Riverhead) and 8,000 + centenarian members right here is New York (500 centenarians in Suffolk County-24 in Riverhead). As our nation – and state and county– undergoes this population shift, we are also experiencing a change in the paradigm of retirement. More and more older adults today are staying in their homes and communities with the goal of remaining independent and living active, vital lives.


A community that is accessible and vital to an aging population also supports a community for all ages. AARP is the national manager of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Age Friendly Communities program in the United States. (There are currently national-level programs in Canada, Ireland, France, Spain, China, and Slovenia.) The program, here in the U.S., is titled, The AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities. Through this program, we expect to spread public awareness of the necessity and desirability of U.S. towns and cities to become friendlier to all ages as the country’s population continues its rapid demographic aging.


Communities will also benefit from inclusion in a global network of communities committed to giving their older residents the opportunity to live rewarding, productive, and safe lives. The WHO maintains eight broad domains that help influence the health and quality of life of older people living all around the world. These eight domains mesh nicely with AARP priorities. The eight domains are listed below.


1. Outdoor spaces and buildings—accessibility to and availability of safe recreational facilities.
2. Transportation—safe and affordable modes of private and public transportation.
3. Housing—wide range of housing options for older residents; aging in place; and other home modification programs.
4. Social participation—access to leisure and cultural activities; opportunities for older residents to participate in social and civic engagement with their peers and younger people.
5. Respect and social inclusion—programs to support and promote ethnic and cultural diversity, along with programs to encourage multigenerational interaction and dialogue.
6. Civic participation and employment—promotion of paid work and volunteer activities for older residents and opportunities to engage in formulation of policies relevant to their lives.
7. Communication and information—promotion of and access to the use of technology to keep older residents connected to their community and friends and family, both near and far.
8. Community support and health services—access to homecare services, clinics, and programs to promote wellness and active aging.


Today, AARP staff and volunteers met with the Supervisor and Town Board during their normal work session to discuss joining.   So far Westchester County, Chemung County, Brookhaven and the Village of Great Neck Plaza have joined the Network in New York. Suffolk County has also expressed their intent to move forward.  If you want to work to get your town, village, or county to join the network, contact Will Stoner at wstoner@aarp.org Lastly, here is a great tool for community leaders to overcome some common challenges we all face with an aging population. www.aarp.org/livable