Florida Becomes the Fourth State in the Nation to Join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities
Tallahassee, Fla. – Today, Governor Ron DeSantis joined American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) CEO Jo Ann Jenkins to announce that Florida has been designated an Age-Friendly State, making Florida the fourth state in the nation to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. They were joined by Secretary of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs Richard Prudom and AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson.
“In Florida, we are taking tangible steps to make our state more livable for residents of all ages – especially our senior population,” said Governor 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 AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins. “We want to thank Gov. DeSantis, Lt. Gov. Nunez and Elder Affairs Secretary Prudom for their leadership on this important issue.”
“We are proud to receive the significant designation as an Age-Friendly State,” said Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Richard 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 Florida State 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.”
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. 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.