We applaud Gov. Ron DeSantis, who this week joined American Association of Retired Persons CEO Jo Ann Jenkins to announce that Florida has been designated an Age-Friendly State.
This makes Florida the fourth state in the nation to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.
“In Florida, we are taking tangible steps to make our state more livable for residents of all ages – especially our senior population,” the governor said. “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.”
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.
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 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.
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.