Columbus, Ohio Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
7/31/2015

Lead Agency: The Ohio State University College of Social Work

Institute of Higher Education

Action Plan Download

An action plan is based on the results of community surveys identifying needs within the 8 Domains of Livability that influence the health and quality of life of older adults. While there is flexibility in how a plan is created and what it will do, every action plan includes a statement about what can be achieved, target dates for goal completion, identification of participating organizations and indicators to measure progress. The action plan is an "active" rather than static document. Revisions and amendments are a sign of program improvement and progress.

Action Plan Highlights

  1. Outdoor Spaces

    Adopt standards for inclusivity and accessibility for city-owned buildings, departments and outdoor spaces.

  2. Housing

    Help older adults and people with disabilities find vetted contractors for home modifications, allowing them to age in place.

  3. Health and Community Services

    Prepare older adults and first responders to react effectively in emergency situations.

Progress Report Download

Columbus and Franklin County's age-friendly initiative worked with local government partners, as well older adult volunteers and their Elder Advisory Council to implement programs related to transportation, housing and the local business environment. To give residents more transportation options, Columbus piloted a new circulator bus and secured funding for travel training for older adults. They also demonstrated walkability and streetscape improvements through a tactical urbanism project on the city's Near East Side. To help older adults age in place in the community, the City and County held eviction prevention workshops and launches an intergenerational cohousing pilot that brought college "students in residence" to an older adult housing complex. Additionally, the City of Columbus partnered with the local Better Business Bureau to create a directory of age-friendly businesses.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Franklin County Public Health (2024)

Columbus, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Emergency preparedness skills

Description: Frequent tornadoes and flooding put older adults with mobility or medical needs at high risk. To improve readiness, Franklin County Public Health distributed 160 emergency kits with essentials like flashlights, first aid supplies and convertible bags on wheels. They paired this with disaster planning education at more than 20 community events, including tips for pets and service animals. The effort boosted awareness, strengthened partnerships and set a model for future programs. This helps lay the groundwork for sustained outreach and policy advocacy to protect vulnerable residents.

LifeCare Alliance (2024)

Columbus, OH

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Older tenants living with arthritis faced a high risk of falls in bathrooms, where a single slip could lead to injury, loss of independence and costly care. LifeCare Alliance modified 21 homes with tub-mount grab bars, shower seats and toilet safety frames. It also added anti-slip mats, raised toilet seats and night lights for extra protection. These changes help older adults remain safe and independent at home, reducing hospitalizations and nursing home placement. One client said she was "no longer afraid" to shower after receiving a grab bar and shower chair.

ABOUT THE AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.

See all nearby projects

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Connect with your AARP State Office

AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP Ohio State Office

41 S. High Street
Suite 3550
Columbus, OH 43215
United States

Phone: 866-389-5653
Fax: 614-224-9801
Email: [email protected]