February 4, 2020
Media Contacts:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
Jennifer L. Crawley, Administrator, Office on Aging and Independence, 410-313-6422
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced the launch of the County’s Department of Community Resources and Services (DCRS) ‘Age-Friendly Community Survey.’ Part of a year-long process to gather data to develop a multi-year action plan, the survey allows residents the opportunity to provide feedback on efforts they believe will make Howard County a more livable community for all.
"We'd like to hear directly from all our residents on where we are doing well and where we can improve to ensure healthy and thriving residents of all ages, especially our older adult population,” said Ball. “I encourage all of our residents to participate in the survey, and to empower themselves as partners and advocates as we move our county toward a more dynamic and inclusive future for all.”
The anonymous survey solicits information and opinions on how residents view the availability of county resources, including housing, social participation, social services, health services, employment, volunteer and civic engagement opportunities, and transportation. Results collected from the survey will help inform policymaking and planning to support active aging throughout Howard County, with an eye towards achieving equity and inclusion.
“The Age-Friendly Howard County initiative is a true collaboration among residents, government, private and nonprofit sectors and faith communities throughout Howard County to imagine new opportunities for all residents, with a special emphasis on how to ensure the community is one that enables older adults to age actively,” said DCRS Director Jacqueline R. Scott. “To quote the World Health Organization, to age actively is to ‘live in security, enjoy good health and continue to participate fully in society.’"
The survey is just one part of the County’s recently launched Age-Friendly Howard County initiative, a three- to five-year plan to join the AARP network of age-friendly states and communities, an affiliate of the World Health Organization. In addition to the survey, residents can also become involved with the initiative by:
- Staying informed. Visit www.howardcountymd.gov/agefriendly for the latest news and information or join the Department of Community Resources and Services ‘Age-Friendly’ mailing list to receive notifications about Age-Friendly Howard County events and updates.
- Join a workgroup. A series of Age-Friendly workgroups, each focused on a different topic, such as outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation options and communication and information, will meet every two to four weeks from January through Fall 2020. To volunteer for one of the workgroups and/or for more information, email [email protected].
For more information on Age-Friendly Howard County, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/agefriendly.