In April 2019, Florida became the 4th age-friendly state in the nation, largely due to the efforts of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, AARP Florida, and community partners.
State Health Improvement Plans identify health promotion and disease prevention priorities specific to a state’s needs by engaging the public health system: state and local government agencies, health care providers, employers, community groups, universities and schools, nonprofit organizations, and advocacy groups.
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias is one of the seven priority areas of Florida’s SHIP. Florida’s goals are:
- Strengthen the capacity to address Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias
- Ensure a competent Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias workforce.
- Enhance support for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and their caregivers.
Healthy Aging, HEALTHY Brain
Today, older adults are in better health and have lower disability rates than in previous generations, but many will encounter cognitive challenges that affect their physical, mental and social health.
Livable Florida
Through an age-friendly initiative, Livable Florida, the Department of Elder Affairs and its partners are working to create livable communities in cities, towns, and villages statewide. Livable Florida embraces the positive possibilities of an aging population and is creating a place people of all ages will want to call home.
Do you have an idea for improving the livability of your community? Get involved by filling out the form below and sharing your idea, comment, and hard work!
AARP Florida Age-Friendly Network
The AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities encourages states, cities, towns, and rural areas to prepare for the rapid aging of the U.S. population by paying increased attention to the environmental, economic, and social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults. Launched in April 2012, the network operates under the auspices of the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Program.
- AARP Community Challenge Grants – Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.
- Resources for Law Enforcement Agencies – This guide is designed to help educate and prepare law enforcement professionals about how to approach, assist, and protect individuals with Alzheimer’s or related Dementias.
Age-Friendly Sharing Symposium
A joint symposium with AARP Florida and the Florida Department of Elder Affairs designed to discuss what it means to be Age-Friendly, why Florida’s community leaders are making the commitment, how to get started, and important steps to achieve your community improvement goals.
Session 1: Florida’s Journey to Become Age-Friendly
Session 4: Advancing Our Age-Friendly Communities
Age-Friendly Public Health Systems
Trust for America’s Health partners with state and local health departments to implement a public health framework to improve the health and well-being of older adults. Age-Friendly Public Health Systems framework was developed in partnership with the Florida Department of Health. During this pilot, Trust for America’s Health worked directly with 37 of Florida’s 67 county health departments as they explored and expanded their roles in older adult health.