Promoting Age-Inclusive Cities to Support and Serve a Nation of All Ages
Adopted at the in 2023
WHEREAS, according to the Administration for Community Living, Americans aged 65 and older represented 17 percent of the population in 2020, which is expected to grow to 22 percent by 2040; and
WHEREAS, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that more than 42 percent of older Americans aged 65 and older live alone in a household; health effects of social isolation include heightened risk of heart disease, dementia, stroke, and early death, as well as increased risk of depression, anxiety and suicide; and
WHEREAS, research funded by AARP indicates 82 percent of older adults experience ageism in their day-to-day lives; and
WHEREAS, in 2020, 5 million Americans aged 65 and older lived below the poverty level, and another 2.6 million were considered near-poor; the 2020 median income of older Americans was $26,668; and
WHEREAS, older adults living at or near the poverty level rely on support from the federal government, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), for day-to-day living and to age in place; and
WHEREAS, the World Health Organization established the Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities in 2010 as a response to worldwide population aging and rapid urbanization, focusing on action at the local level that fosters the full participation of older adults in community life and promotes health and active aging; the Network includes many cities across the United States, such as Boulder, CO; Cleveland, OH; Indianapolis, IN; Lexington, KY; Miami, FL; New York, NY; Portland, OR; and San Diego, CA; and
WHEREAS, systemic and structural ageism continues to persist and the response of cities is paramount and critical to effectively support older Americans; and
WHEREAS, it is imperative for cities to advance age-inclusive policies, practices and programs to ensure that the needs across all ages and generations are met,
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that The United States Conference of Mayors strongly supports that cities promote and adopt age-inclusive approaches to local policy, practices and programs in a commitment to achieving an elevated standard of being an age-inclusive city; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that The United States Conference of Mayors urges the Conference's Task Force on Aging to develop a framework for age-inclusive standards and share best age-inclusive practices that build upon and advance the national and international stakeholder Age-friendly framework.