State of California Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
3/29/2021

Lead Agency: California Master Plan for Aging Project

Government Agency

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. Housing

    Produce, protect and preserve affordable housing for older adults, including accessory dwelling units and residential care facilities.

  2. Health and Community Services

    Test new models of health care delivery that maximize access to services through partnerships with federal government, health systems and community-based organizations.

  3. Respect and Inclusion

    Conduct trainings, data collection and public campaigns that increase equity and inclusion in the workforce, as well as in service delivery.

Progress Report

The State of California has advanced age-friendly efforts through major investments in health, housing, mobility, and safety. Over $100 million supports 13 projects creating safer walking and biking paths, and $51.7 million funds mobility access across rural and urban areas. The state invested $570 million to develop or improve 61 affordable housing sites for older adults and added $247 million to help counties preserve licensed care facilities. Over 16,000 iPads-with internet, support, and training-are being distributed to older adults and people with disabilities. Medi-Cal now covers 364,000 additional low-income Californians age 50+, and more than 80,000 caregivers have received free training and stipends. California also launched an Emergency Preparedness Guide in multiple languages and HelpVul, a secure tool to report suspected financial abuse of vulnerable adults.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

U.S. Green Building Center Council California (2023)

Fresno, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions

Description: High housing costs and limited multigenerational options in Fresno leave older adults with few affordable choices. To address this, the organization launched an ADU design competition, engaging professionals and students to create sustainable, accessible concepts. Designs were showcased at a public expo with educational materials on permitting and a permanent resource webpage. The effort sparked regional dialogue and plans for a spring roundtable on affordability.

U.S. Green Building Council Central California (2024)

Fresno, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions

Description: Fresno's housing affordability crisis has left many older adults unhoused, even as vacant commercial spaces sit unused. To spark solutions, the council hosted a design competition focused on repurposing a historic Chinatown building for housing. The event drew architects, engineers, students and city leaders, generated 10 conceptual designs and featured a public showcase and building tour that highlighted cultural preservation and code barriers. The effort connected professionals and advocates, creating momentum for adaptive reuse. One volunteer reflected that the experience changed his perspective on safety and livability in this part of town.

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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AARP California State Office

200 S. Los Robles Avenue
Suite 400
Pasadena, CA 91101
United States

Phone: 866-448-3615
Fax: 626-583-8500
Email: [email protected]