Government Agency

Age-Friendly Lancaster City PA connects generations, organizations and resources to enhance the lives of older adults and ensure an inclusive community where all ages flourish.' (Mission Statement) Planning began in 2019 with a 'Discovery Phase,' convening public, private, and nonprofit representatives and older adults from throughout county from various sectors outside traditional aging service providers. Three key priorities were identified through multiple stakeholder meetings, surveys and data analysis: 1.) Access to Services, 2.) Purpose & Meaning in Later Life, and 3.) Housing & Outdoor Spaces. By 2020, when COVID changed everything, the Age-Friendly Lancaster City PA Leadership Team was well established and pivoted efforts to address concerns about social isolation and mental health in respondents ages 60+. As a response, Age-Friendly Lancaster City developed and facilitated 'ZTutors,' a virtual reading program that connected isolated older adults with elementary students via Zoom. By 2021, planning resumed. The Age-Friendly Advisory Committee, representing over 40 Lancaster City organizations, worked collaboratively to consider the WHO eight domains of an age-friendly community, a collection of possible projects, and the city's three key priority areas. The four projects that garnered the most cross-sector support became Lancaster City's 3-year Action Plan.