Age-Friendly City

"A place where older adults thrive as members of a community created for all ages."

Two major global trends are happening: rapid aging and increasing urbanization.

The World Health Organization conducted a major study in 33 different cities around the globe to determine what amenities optimize and enhance the quality of life for residents as they age. Focus groups composed of individuals ages 60 and above from lower- and middle-class backgrounds participated in helping the WHO compile a list of services that influence a resident's quality of life as they age. Eight key elements were identified through this process as areas that require a conscious effort to create an age-friendly community: housing, transportation, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, community support and health services, and outdoor spaces and buildings. These results launched WHO's Global Age-Friendly Cities initiative and serve as foundation for the designation that has been established.

In an Age-Friendly City, policies, services, settings and structures enable and support people as they grow older to live healthy and vibrant lives. Age-Friendly ideals optimize opportunities for health, participation and security in order to enhance the quality of life as people age. In the past nine years, hundreds of cities from around the world have embraced Age-Friendly ideals and are creating programs to incorporate the goals developed by the WHO.  

The current "Age-friendly" initiative is a regional effort across Santa Clara County. The County has contracted with the Center for Age Friendly Excellence (CAFÉ) to help provide technical support and expertise to support Cities in this work. The goal is to have all cities within the County receive the "Age-friendly" designation. 

Morgan Hill was one of the leading Cities in this County-wide initiative, and has now been awarded the designation of being an "Age-friendly City."

Please check this webpage regularly for current updates on our progress. You can also find more information by visiting the Santa Clara County Age Friendly Website.