Jackson, AARP will partner to make the city age-friendly

Jackson Mayor Derek Dobies mentioned during his State of the City address on Feb. 20 that the city and AARP Michigan will partner in the months ahead to make Jackson an age-friendly city.

Among more than two dozen programs and initiatives highlighted in his speech, Dobies said Jackson is working with AARP to make Jackson attractive and accessible to people of all ages.

"We will also work with local and state leaders at AARP to make  Jackson certified as an age-friendly community -- a program that helps cities prepare for a rapidly aging population," he said during his hour-long address.

"We want Jackson to be a great place for everyone to live, work and play -- young and old."

Dramatic demographic change gripping cities, states and the nation mean communities over the next decade will need to support twice as many people over age 65 as they do today.

Cities joining the AARP Age-Friendly Communities Network explore what will that mean for local housing, transportation and streets, health care, social services, work force and economic development.

In an effort to get input from citizens, Jackson will host community conversations, which are intended to help participants gain a better understanding of what it means to be an Age-Friendly Community, how it can help drive economic development, and how area leaders and others can get involved.

Return to aarp.org/MI for dates, times and locations for these forums.