Baltimore County recently released a plan outlining new projects and programs to make the county more livable for its aging population.
The plan involves improvements in housing, transportation, community support, and health services.
“We believe Baltimore County can set the standard as a place where all residents feel welcome and can take comfort in knowing their needs are being met,” County Executive Johnny Olszewski said in a statement.
“Our Age-Friendly Action Plan will serve as a roadmap for building a more inclusive, equitable and accessible county for our older residents,” he said.
In 2019, Baltimore County joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, an affiliate of the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities.
The initiative aims to prepare cities for rapidly aging populations and urbanization.
According to a WHO report, the total number of people over 60 is set to double by 2050, rising from 1 billion to 2 billion.
In Baltimore County, 17.6 percent of the current population is 65 and older, per the latest Census data.
In Maryland, there are six age-friendly communities – Baltimore County, Montgomery County, Howard County, and the cities of College Park, Hyattsville, and Frederick.
Baltimore County’s action plan builds on two years of outreach efforts with residents and community partners.
The county heard from over 2,000 residents who responded to surveys and participated in community meetings.
The plan recommends developing more affordable housing options, creating a network of public and private transportation, and increasing opportunities for older residents to participate in healthy activities.
“We want to create a region where adults can stay connected to their communities and remain independent and meaningfully engaged throughout their later years,” said Laura D. Riley, director of the county’s Department of Aging.
