Age-Friendly Cities on the Rise: AARP Network Reaches 1,000 Communities as New York Communities Help Lead the Way

The City of Hudson among those transforming how cities support residents of all ages through local policy

Hudson, NY — AARP New York today announced there are now 1,000 communities in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities—a nationwide movement transforming how cities, towns, and counties support residents of all ages. The City of Hudson, New York, is the 1,000^th community to join the network, highlighting the momentum behind this work nationwide and in New York.

“We’re proud to see New York communities contributing to this national milestone,” said Beth Finkel, AARP New York State Director. “Being an age-friendly community is about building places where everyone—regardless of age or ability—can thrive. These efforts not only benefit older adults, but they also strengthen entire communities.”

In New York, 45 communities, including Albany County, Erie County, Ithaca, Rochester and now Hudson are part of the network, driving local progress on safe transportation, accessible housing, public spaces, and inclusive services that support residents across generations With nearly 6,000 residents—23% ages 60 or older—Hudson is working to expand public transit, improve sidewalk accessibility, support affordable housing, and create aging-in-place guidelines to help older adults stay in their community.

“We are excited to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, and proud to be the 1,000th city. One of the main themes in our recently completed Comprehensive Plan is making Hudson more age-friendly, and so joining this network solidifies our commitment to that goal and brings us into a new network of support and resources from other organizations and communities,” said Kamal Johnson, Mayor of Hudson.

“The Department of State is committed to creating healthy, accessible and inclusive communities for people of all ages and abilities,” said Walter T. Mosley, New York Secretary of State. “We congratulate the City of Hudson for this achievement and are proud to have supported the City’s impressive revitalization efforts through our Downtown Revitalization Initiative, Local Waterfront Revitalization Program and Smart Growth program. The city is doing all the right things to improve the quality of life of all residents and visitors.”

“Congratulations to Hudson, New York for committing for becoming an Age Friendly Community, the 1,000^th community in the nation to join the AARP Age-Friendly Network of States and Communities. We have long known that the built environment and how communities are structured can have a significantly positive impact on residents of all ages, including older adults,” said Greg Olsen, Director of the New York State Office for the Aging. “NYSOFA has been an active participant in promoting the value of smart growth and livability principles to make communities the best places to grow up and grow older, and efforts like this support the state’s Master Plan for Aging and Governor Hochul’s priorities of livability, affordability and public safety.”

Launched in 2012, the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities helps local leaders and residents design and implement strategies that support healthy aging. Participating communities focus on key areas that shape daily life, from housing and transportation to social participation and health services.

Today, nearly 40% of Americans live in an age-friendly community, with many localities embedding age-friendly strategies into city plans, zoning laws, and transportation policies. The impact is clear: 97% of communities say older adults directly benefit and 63% report half or more of all residents—regardless of age—see positive outcomes.

Local examples of age-friendly innovation in New York include:

• Plattsburgh: Cycling Without Age Adirondack Coast — This project will offer free trishaw bike rides for people age 50-plus and those with disabilities. It aims to reduce social isolation by providing engagement opportunities on bike paths and trails.
• Rochester: Cancer Support Community at Gilda's Club Rochester — This project will offer monthly digital empowerment seminars and one-on-one support to help cancer patients ages 50 and older navigate technology. These workshops will cover topics like patient portals and telemedicine.
• Westport: Westport-Wadhams Community Alliance — The Slow with the Flow and Walkable Westport campaigns will enhance pedestrian safety. Public art, greenscaping, and crosswalk painting will slow traffic and improve walkability.

The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities— continues to grow as more communities see the value of building for all ages. AARP New York is actively supporting additional cities and towns ready to take the next step toward becoming age-friendly. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities.

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About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 120 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/about-aarp/, www.aarp.org/español or follow @AARP, @AARPenEspañol and @AARPadvocates on social media.