Age-Friendly Albuquerque

What does it mean to be an Age-Friendly Albuquerque?

An Age-Friendly city is a designation from AARP and the World Health Organization (WHO) that recognizes a community for livability standards that enable people of all ages to live in a community that offers safe choices in where to live, how to get around, and equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds.  More importantly, an Age-Friendly city implements the types of changes that make communities more livable for people of all ages, proactively preparing all residents for the longevity of aging.  AARP and the WHO focus on the "8 Domains of Livability" as a framework for communities working implement best practices to be more age-friendly.  

These are the main aspects of the 8 Domains:

• Communication and Information - To keep people informed and connected with their communities through easily accessible and understandable information.
• Respect and Social Inclusion - To create a responsible and inclusive community that recognizes the contributions of people of all ages and abilities.
• Health and Community Support - To provide resources and programs that support access to healthy and engaged living.
• Civic Participation and Employment - To increase opportunities for people of all ages to get involved in the community in ways that are meaningful to them
• Housing - To provide resources and policies that allow for safe and accessible dwelling for people of all ages and abilities.
• Transportation - To improve mobility options and resources for people of all ages and abilities.
• Social Participation - To provide plentiful and diverse opportunities that encourage social engagement for people of all ages and abilities.
• Outdoor Spaces and Buildings - To create safe and accessible outdoor spaces and buildings for people of all ages and abilities.

Why is an Age-Friendly Community Important?

All people of all ages should be afforded the ability to safely cross the street, ride a bike, get around without a car, work or volunteer, enjoy public places, socialize, spend time outdoors, be entertained, have access to healthy and nutritious food, and find the services they need to maintain a comfortable quality of life while aging in place. 

Age-Friendly communities can thrive when:

• Aging issues are a top priority.
• City’s future plan includes economic growth, urban development, and the expansion of health and community services.
• Advocacy engages younger generations to prepare for longer lives.

How can people participate?

Provide commitments from your businesses, organization or individuals who want to help advocate and address aging issues in their community. 

How will this work?

With call to action, community led work – the age-friendly action plan has been drafted and is a living document which will span over three to five years, identifying areas that can expand age-friendly services, programming and activities.

Age-Friendly Albuquerque Committed Community Partners

The City of Albuquerque Department of Senior Affairs is honored to announce that Albuquerque was designated an age-friendly community by AARP and the WHO in February 2021.  To expand this initiative even further throughout Albuquerque,  the Department of Senior Affairs engaged over 50 community partners who have made commitment statements to uphold age-friendly practices.  

Committed Partners help serve as a catalyst to educate local community leaders and residents about the aspects that make communities more livable for people of all ages, especially older adults.  We are so thankful and proud of the following community partner organizations and individuals who have pledged an Age-Friendly Commitment Statement:

Age-Friendly Albuquerque Commitments

Organizations, businesses, groups and individuals are all invited to complete an Age-Friendly Commitment Statement. This statement helps identify your age-friendly practices and how they contribute to our community. You can find more information about the Age-Friendly Commitment Statement here:

Age-Friendly Commitment