STATEMENT OF AARP CALIFORNIA STATE DIRECTOR NANCY McPHERSON ON GOVERNOR NEWSOM’S SIGNING OF AB 1118

“On behalf of AARP’s 3.3 million California members, AARP thanks Governor Newsom for signing the Age Friendly California Act [AB 1118] into law, making California the first state to move toward membership in AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities through an act of the legislature. We are especially grateful to Assemblymember Blanca Rubio for authoring this important piece of legislation, which will ensure that state leadership moves in the right direction toward creating communities and neighborhoods that are livable for Californians of all ages. By 2030, the over-65 population in our state will grow by four million people, a number larger than the entire population of most states. AB 1118 instructs the Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency to consider enrolling the State of California in the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities to prepare for the rapid growth in our state’s aging population. In joining the AARP network, the State of California will become part of a global network of communities that are committed to giving all residents the opportunity to live rewarding, productive, and safe lives as they age. The state will also gain access to national and global resources, planning models, and best practices. AARP is committed to continuing our mission in California to work at both the state and local levels to increase livability for residents of all ages.”