What is Age-Friendly? “An age-friendly community is one that works for people of all ages. It allows people to go to school, work, recreate, shop, and take care of health needs without significant struggle.” (Ohio Dept of Health, 2018)

The number of adults 65+ in the United States is growing quickly. By 2034, older adults are expected to outnumber children for the first time. The City of Dayton’s Planning Division has taken charge to address this population projection head-on. Just last month, partners from The Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission presented to City Commission imploring Dayton to join the AARP’s Age-Friendly Network. Acknowledging the need to make changes to be more livable for people of all ages, especially older adults, the City will join this Network and commit to a standard of livability reflected in AARP’s 8 Domains of Livability. Over the next five years, the Planning Division will conduct an assessment of the Dayton Region, create an Action Plan, implement that Plan, and then revise and revisit the progress.

For more information on the other 760 communities committed to actively making its city, town, and/or county a great place to live for all ages, see here.

Above: MVRPC Executive Director Brian Martin presents to the Dayton City Commission on Age-Friendly Communities in the Miami Valley. (May 17, 2023)

Blog post by Ellen Sizer