Joining the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities

Communities seeking to enroll in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities are required to submit a Membership Application, as well as a Letter of Commitment, which must be signed by the jurisdiction’s highest elected official. (For example, the governor, the mayor, the county executive.)

Communities may also choose to pass a Resolution or even a Proclamation in support of membership in the network in lieu of a Letter of Commitment.

The Application Process

The membership form includes details about how to submit the application and an accompanying community statement. 

Once the application is approved and processed, member materials and resources will be provided by AARP. 

For questions prior to or after enrolling, please contact the AARP office in your state or email aarpage-friendlynetwork@aarp.org.

The Letter of Commitment

While there is flexibility in how this document can be worded, the following items must be addressed in a Letter of Commitment that is signed by the community's highest elected leader.

1.  Establishing mechanisms to involve older people

2. A baseline assessment of the age-friendliness of the community

3. The development of a community-wide action plan based on the findings of the assessment

4. Identification of indicators so progress can be monitored against the action plan

• A Sample Letter: La Puente, California

A Resolution or Proclamation

In addition to the required membership application and commitment letter, some communities choose to pass a Resolution or issue a Proclamation, both of which are optional but submittable documents for the application. 

• Sample Resolutions: Bird Island, Minnesota and Newport, Rhode Island

• Sample Proclamation: City of Des Moines and State of Iowa

Visit the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities page