California Becomes AARP Age-Friendly State

California has become the eighth state in the nation to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, a commitment on behalf of state leadership to build a California for people of all ages and abilities. AARP’s network, an affiliate of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (NASFC) Program, is part of an international campaign to help communities prepare for rapidly aging populations and the parallel trend of urbanization.

“California has the nation’s largest and most diverse aging population. We must tap into those talents and address the critical needs, so all Californians can have healthy and happy older years – especially those at greater risk of isolation, abuse, or homelessness,” said Governor Gavin Newsom. “We are committed to creating a California for all ages where everyone has the ability to live and thrive in the community they choose.”   

This is a historic day for California as we implement the Master Plan for Aging and lead a California Comeback that addresses the disparities revealed during the COVID-19 pandemic. California applied to become a member of the NAFSC pursuant to the Master Plan for Aging Initiative #100 and AB 1118 (Rubio, Chapter 820, Statutes of 2019) which directed the Secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency to consider applying on behalf of the state as part of the development of the Master Plan for Aging.

The COVID-19 pandemic revealed our social, economic, health, and political inequalities on an unprecedented scale. By committing to be an age friendly state, California will become a California for All Ages and develop innovative policies, plans, and strategies that will reduce the vast inequalities and build more resilient and inclusive societies and economies – particularly in underserved older communities.

Learn more about AARP's Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.