Wake Forest joins AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities

To best prepare for a population that is both growing and aging, the Town of Wake Forest recently joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. The announcement was made during the July 16 Board of Commissioners’ meeting (see attached photo).

Wake Forest joined the network to ensure that civic improvements benefit the very old, the very young, and everyone in between. Through the network, the Town will receive both technical assistance and shared expertise to help develop changes to support people of all ages.

“Although the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities program is recognized by elected officials and others as a leading resource for how to improve the livability of communities for people ages 50 or older and their families, age-friendly improvements benefit people of all ages,” said AARP NC Director Michael Olender.

A city, town, or rural area that is “age-friendly,” is one that helps people live easily and comfortably in their homes and communities as they age. That means access to affordable housing, transportation options, health care, opportunities for social engagement, the ability to walk and bike and much more.

Wake Forest joins 20 other North Carolina cities, towns, and counties that have joined the AARP Network. In 2023, North Carolina also became a member and since that time has developed a multi-sector aging plan, “All Ages: All Stages NC”, that will help inform and guide future development.

In addition to the North Carolina Age-Friendly Network members, since 2017, AARP North Carolina has awarded 40 grants and $469,000 through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state for “quick action” projects that help improve cities, towns, and rural areas.

“Age-friendly communities benefit people of all ages,” said Wake Forest Mayor Vivian Jones. “Whether it is an engaged citizenship, the ability to walk safely, access transportation to shop, eat and go to appointments, or to make the best use of our public spaces, the Network of Age-Friendly Communities can inform and inspire changes to make Wake Forest the best it can be.”

When it comes to age-friendly communities, AARP has been a catalyst across North Carolina when it comes to easing restrictions to better enable housing options including Accessory Dwelling Units. AARP was instrumental in many projects that have led to both short and long-term community improvements including the installation of public exercise equipment, trail and greenway updates, safe crosswalks, traffic calming apparatus, community gardens, and more.

With the addition of Wake Forest, the Triangle Region is well represented in the network with Wake, Durham, and Orange Counties as well as the Town of Cary and the City of Durham being current members. Not only will Wake Forest benefit from the shared resources and expertise of those areas but also from that of over 875 communities nationwide that are part of the network. 

“Network membership also helps town leaders identify community needs, serves as a structure for making improvements, provides leadership opportunities for volunteers, and fosters partnerships among stakeholders,” said AARP Associate State Director for the Triangle Region Heather Burkhardt.

“Wake Forest’s enrollment in the Age-Friendly Network is yet another way the Town is working to provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.”