What does the term “Age-Friendly” mean?
Age-Friendly describes a movement to make communities more welcoming and livable for older residents and people of all ages. It describes efforts we can take together to create places where people can grow up and grow old together. AARP has identified eight areas for communities throughout the country to focus on improving:
| Areas to Focus on Improving |
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| 5. Respect & Social Inclusion |
| 6. Civic Participation & Employment |
| 7. Communication & Information |
| 8. Community & Health Service |
Why is it important for Massachusetts to become Age-Friendly?
Massachusetts has always been a leader in providing services and support to older residents. Today, we have more residents over the age of 60 than under the age of 20, and this growing population of older people offers an opportunity to develop new ways to help residents age and thrive in the places where they live, work and volunteer.
Is Age-Friendly just about helping older people?
No, age-friendly communities are more welcoming and livable for people of all ages. When we help an older person continue to live, work, and volunteer in our communities, we all benefit from their energy, experience and contributions. As we grow older, we want to be able to live as independently as we can, in cities and towns where our contributions are respected and valued and our changing needs are supported.
Age-Friendly is a Global Vision
In response to global population aging, in 2010 the World Health Organization (WHO) established the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities to connect communities and organizations worldwide around the “common vision of making their community a great place to grow old in.” Shortly after, in 2012, AARP established the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities to encourage and support elected leadership in cities, towns, counties, and states to make a commitment to creating more livable communities for people of all ages, especially older adults.
In the last few years, many states have developed Multisector Plans for Aging (MPAs), crosssector state-led strategic plans. These plans take a coordinated approach to developing accessible, high-quality physical and social environments, supports, and resources to promote healthy aging. MPAs also seek to address intersecting issues related to healthcare, housing, transportation, and other social determinants of health. As of January 2025, ten states have established MPAs, and several others are in the development process. Massachusetts is a member of AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, and this Plan serves as the Commonwealth’s MPA
Age-Friendly in Massachusetts
“Age-Friendly” in Massachusetts describes a movement to make communities more welcoming and livable for people of all ages. Age-Friendly efforts put people at the center of planning and strives to create places where older adults can flourish. A core belief of the movement is that the energy and experiences of older adults are a vital, largely untapped resource that enrich communities.
A critical partner to the Age-Friendly movement is the Dementia Friendly initiative. The aim of Dementia Friendly work is to make communities more inclusive and supportive of those living with dementia, as well as their families and care partners. A Dementia Friendly community is informed, safe, and respectful of people living with dementia and enables them and those who care about them to live full, engaged lives. The Commonwealth recognizes the importance of integrating age- and dementia-friendly activity wherever possible. In collaboration with community partners, an online toolkit was developed to provide communities with guidance, specific examples, and links to resources for integrating their age- and dementia-friendly efforts.
Massachusetts also has the Massachusetts State Plan on Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (Alzheimer's State Plan), which focuses on coordinating government efforts to optimize and leverage appropriate resources. The Alzheimer’s State Plan and this Plan align and reinforce each other. Together, age- and dementia-friendly actions build communities that are livable at every stage of life.