In 2018, New York State became the first state to earn an age-friendly designation by joining the AARP Network of Age-friendly States and Communities, and one year later, the City of Rochester and Monroe County joined the network. This began a five-year initiative in our local community, joining other communities around the country and around the world, in working toward a more age-friendly, livable community. In 2024, the City Mayor of Rochester, NY, Malik Evans, and County Executive of Monroe County, NY, Adam Bello, issued a joint proclamation to recognize the City’s and the County’s acceptance into the AARP National Network of Age-Friendly Livable Communities, and celebrate the local achievements and adoption of age-friendly principles in our community.
What Makes an Age-Friendly Community?
Quite simply, age-friendly communities allow people of all ages and backgrounds to thrive, enjoy, and have equal access to community amenities and services, such as:
Creating a Community for a Lifetime
The Aging Alliance’s December 2021 report, Creating a Community for a Lifetime: An Action Plan for an Age-friendly/Livable Rochester and Monroe County, provides a blueprint for our community to incorporate age-friendly practices into action, and demonstrates our commitment to older adults who want to remain in Monroe County as they age.
Approved by AARP, the report was developed with generous funding by the Monroe County Office for Aging, Rochester Area Community Foundation, and the City of Rochester.
Through 2024 and beyond, the Monroe County Aging Alliance will engage dozens of community partners, including government offices, community-based organizations, and businesses, to carry out the recommendations to create a more age-friendly Monroe County.
Age-Friendly Communications
More of us are living longer, and it’s important to think about how we talk about and write about aging, and how we use images in our communications. Ageism, which is stereotyping based on age, is harmful to both the individual and our society. Recognizing and avoiding ageist language and images contributes to a more age-inclusive, age-friendly community
Download our Age-friendly Communication Style Guide, a helpful checklist of helpful age-friendly guidelines.
2024 Walk Audit
In June 2024, the Monroe County Aging Alliance, along with various community partners, conducted a walk audit of a planned street renovation along a one-mile stretch of Calkins Road in Henrietta, New York. Both quantitative and qualitative data, including quotes and photos, were shared with County and Town officials, with the goal of using our community audit to guide necessary street design improvements. See the Insights and Lessons Learned document for more information about our experience!
Download our 2024 Walk Audit Insights
