ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced the start of the County’s Age-Friendly Collaborate cycle, a continuation of the County’s Age-Friendly Howard County initiative, started in 2019. This second cycle will lay the groundwork for the age-friendly steps to occur from 2025 through 2029. Photos from the announcement can be viewed in the County's Flickr album.
Today, we kick off Age-Friendly Collaborate, the second cycle in the journey of creating and maintaining a livable community for all. It is through partnerships and collaboration we can accomplish Age-Friendly actions, such as expanding access to affordable and accessible housing and transportation options, increasing employment opportunities, providing additional opportunities for social engagement, and more.
AARP recently recognized Howard County for the accomplishments of Age-Friendly Howard County: Initiate as the first cycle of planning and implementation between 2019 and 2024. As a member of the network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, Howard County has successfully met the challenge to reflect on services, resources and opportunities and pursue continuous growth and improvement.
The Age-Friendly Howard County efforts go hand-in-hand with the state’s Longevity Ready Maryland Multisector Plan for Aging. Together, working for equal access to coordinated care, services and social determinants can enable healthy longevity and help us become a state where all Marylanders lead healthy, financially secure, socially connected, and purposeful lives.
“We invite residents of all ages to join a work group in this next phase to help us continue to shape a vibrant, inclusive future for everyone,” said Terri Hansen, Age-Friendly Howard County Manager. “Age-Friendly Howard County’s vision for a livable community focuses on supporting people of all ages and abilities in terms of how they communicate, interact, plan, work, care for others, and build a healthy and safe future.”
“AARP commends Howard County on creating an environment that promotes safety, health and engagement,” said Jen Holz, AARP Maryland Associate State Director for Community Outreach. “Age Friendly initiatives are not just for older adults. They benefit everyone in the community and help us prepare for the future while addressing needs today.”
“More than a quarter of the state’s population will be over 60 by 2030,” said David Conway, AARP Maryland State President. “Nearly 100 million people live in a town, city, county, territory, or state that has enrolled in the Age-Friendly Network. This includes me as a resident of Howard County, and clearly demonstrates the growing effort around creating great communities for everyone to thrive regardless of age or ability.”
To learn more about the County’s Age-Friendly Howard County initiative and/or to view the report showing progress made from 2019-2024, visit
www.howardcountymd.gov/age-friendly.