AARP Names Florida as an Age-Friendly State

By SUNSHINE STATE NEWS

Florida has become the fourth state to join the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. 

Gov. Ron DeSantis and AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins announced on Tuesday that Florida has been designated by the AARP as an Age-Friendly State.

“Florida’s designation as an Age-Friendly State demonstrates Florida’s commitment to building livable communities that enrich the lives of people of all ages,” the governor’s office noted. “Member states develop and implement plans that address any or all of the eight Age-Friendly domains: Transportation, Housing, Public Spaces, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment, Social Participation, Community and Health Services, and Communication and Information.”

“In Florida, we are taking tangible steps to make our state more livable for residents of all ages – especially our senior population,” said DeSantis. “As our state continues to grow, we must ensure that we do all that we can to meet the needs of our residents. I am proud that Florida is leading by becoming the largest state to commit to this important effort.”

“Florida joining the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities is a very significant step in the growing movement to make communities more livable, for people of all ages,” said  Jenkins. “We want to thank Gov. DeSantis, Lt. Gov. Nunez and Elder Affairs Secretary Prudom for their leadership on this important issue.”

Florida Department of Elder Affairs Sec. Richard Prudom also weighed in and stressed the important role seniors play in the Sunshine State. Prudom noted that this population will only increase in the years to come. 

“We are proud to receive the significant designation as an Age-Friendly State,” said Prudom. “Throughout the next decade, the population of older Floridians is expected to increase by nearly 40 percent, so it is essential that communities are prepared. Our efforts continue as we work to make Florida a place where we can all live and live well.” 

“This designation opens the way for important partnerships in many parts of state, city and county government, and in the private sector, to make Florida an even better place to live for people of every age,” said AARP FloridaState Director Jeff Johnson. “For the more than 8 million Floridians age 50-plus and the 2.8 million AARP members statewide, this is a big step forward.”