We’re All Aging

Did you know that nearly 45 million Americans are age 65 or older? And that by 2030, that number will reach 73 million?  By 2030, one of every five people in the U.S. will be 65 or older. We’ve been talking about the “New Majority” here in Cuyahoga County for a while now, with estimates indicating that close to 30% of our residents – over 400,000 -- will be 60 or over by 2030. 

Successful aging is a life-long process, and DSAS believes that Cuyahoga County’s older adults should have opportunities, options and environments in which to stay active, engaged, and healthy.  “Livable Communities” that provide connection, health and economic vitality contribute to our well-being in all stages of life.

A Community for All Ages

With this in mind, Cuyahoga County, led by the Division of Senior and Adult Services (DSAS) is launching an exciting initiative that promotes these outcomes for our residents. We are joining hundreds of cities and counties across the nation in becoming an AARP “Livable Community.”   This initiative supports counties, cities and towns in becoming great places for people of all ages.

“Livable Communities” make it their mission to provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life. They do this by addressing “eight domains of livability” that influence the health and quality of life of for us as we age:

• Outdoor Spaces and Buildings
• Transportation
• Housing
• Social Participation
• Respect and Social Inclusion
• Work and Civic Engagement
• Communication and Information
• Community and Health Services

Becoming a “Livable Community”

Becoming a “Livable Community” is a five-year process that involves assessment, planning, implementation and review.  Throughout the first year of the process DSAS worked with the Center for Community Solutions and with stakeholders in our community to complete the assessment process, by working to identify how we can best support older adults and healthy aging in Cuyahoga County. We engaged community voices through focus groups and surveys, with a goal of collecting as much input as possible. 

The Livable Cuyahoga Needs Assessment Report will inform our vision and guide the Livable Cuyahoga initiative’s path forward. 

We will draw on the assessment findings to develop an action plan with the goal of making the county a more livable community for people of all ages, as we move swiftly into the next phase. 

Livable Cuyahoga Next Steps

Get Involved!

“Livable Cuyahoga” is a community-wide project that relies on all of us in order to be successful.  There are a number of ways you can help. You can complete our ‘Livable Cuyahoga’ assessment survey, letting us know what you love about our community, and what we need to do to continue to be a thriving locale for people as they age. You can help by sharing information about the “Livable Cuyahoga” initiative. You can sign up for updates, invite us to speak at your organization, or become a “Livable Cuyahoga” ambassador.  

Together, we are building a community for all ages!