ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced today that the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities has formally approved Howard County’s Age-Friendly Action Plan 2025-2029. This milestone marks the County’s second Age-Friendly Action Plan and signals a renewed, community-wide commitment to collaboration as the driving force behind implementation, process, and long-term success.
Providing a place where all of our residents of all ages and abilities, can feel safe, valued and fulfilled is an important goal we take to heart. Our Age Friendly Action Plan is a measurable, concrete guide to make sure we are on the right track. I am pleased that AARP has, once again, approved the second cycle of our action plan. Collaboration is not just a theme of this cycle; it is how we will deliver meaningful results for people of all ages.
Building on the foundation established by Howard County’s first Age-Friendly cycle, the 2025-2029 Action Plan outlines nearly 50 recommendations designed to improve quality of life for residents of all ages. The recommendations are organized across three key Pillars of Livability that reflect the County’s priorities and the voice of the community.
- The Health and Wellbeing pillar focuses on promoting healthy aging, resilience, and opportunities for personal growth so residents can thrive physically, mentally, and socially.
- The Living and Mobility pillar addresses the need for safe, accessible housing and transportation options that support independence, connection, and full participation in community life.
- The Community and Inclusion pillar centers on fostering belonging, civic engagement, and access to clear, inclusive information.
Ball launched Howard County’s second Age-Friendly cycle in January 2025. Over the past year, hundreds of residents, stakeholders, service providers, and community partners contributed feedback through listening sessions and collaborative discussions. This collective input shaped the Action Plan and underscored the importance of working across sectors to turn ideas into action. The Action Plan also aligns with the State of Maryland’s Longevity Ready Maryland initiative, reinforcing shared priorities around healthy aging, community design, and systems that support residents to live longer, healthier, and more engaged lives.
“Howard County continues to demonstrate what it means to be an Age-Friendly community,” said Jen Holz, Associate State Director of Outreach for AARP MARYLAND. “The County’s collaborative approach, strong network of partners, and dedicated volunteers are essential to creating places where people can life well at every stage of life. This Action Plan is a powerful example of that commitment.”
Implementing the Action Plan will rely on shared ownership and coordinated action among County agencies, community organizations, and residents.
“Age-Friendly Howard County is a community-driven effort,” said Age-Friendly Howard County Manager, Martha Gagné. “Implementation depends on collaboration across agencies, community partners and with residents themselves. By working together, we can turn these recommendations into tangible improvements that strengthen our community for everyone.”
Volunteer engagement is a key strategy in the 2025-2029 Action Plan. Opportunities for residents of all ages to get involved will be posted at www.hocovolunteer.org. Community members with questions about volunteering or ideas for collaborative projects are encouraged to contact agefriendly@howardcountymd.gov.
To read the full Howard County Age-Friendly Action Plan 2025-2029, visit www.howardcountymd.gov/Age-FriendlyActionPlan2025-2029.
Prior to achieving the second cycle of the Age-Friendly Action Plan, Howard County first join the Age-Friendly Network in December 2019. Upon joining the network, Howard County kicked off an 18-month process of research, planning, and community engagement. Howard County pulled together nearly 3,500 residents who completed the Age-Friendly Howard County survey to assess the County’s needs and assets.
Beginning in January 2020, the Age-Friendly Howard County team met in eight work groups, each representing a domain of livability (Communication and Information; Health and Community Services; Outdoor Spaces and Buildings; Respect and Social Inclusion; Housing; Social Participation; Transportation; Work and Civic Engagement). These workgroups reviewed the Age-Friendly Howard County survey results and drafted recommendations and actions to address gaps in services and resources in the County.
These recommendations and actions served as the basis of the issuance of the 2021-2024 Age-Friendly Action Plan, which was approved by AARP in January 2022. The Age Friendly Action Plan, can be found at the following link: HC Age-Friendly Report_Digital
In December 2024, Howard County released its Age-Friendly Howard County Five-Year Progress Report, which was also endorsed by AARP. This progress report detailed great strides made to enhance livability for residents of all ages as recommended by the Age Friendly Action Plan. Highlights of the Age-Friendly Five-Year Progress Report include:
- Trualta Platform, October 2020: The Trualta Platform is a web-based platform designed to provide 24/7 educational and emotional support to family caregivers through the Family Caregiver Support Program—completely free of charge. By offering personalized resources and guidance, Trualta helps alleviate caregiver burden and improve outcomes for those under care.
- Ageism Awareness Campaign, October 2022: The Ageism Awareness Campaign promoted positive perception of older adults. The campaign includes training, community discussions, and the distribution of promotional materials. The campaign won the USAging Innovation Award in 2024.
- East Columbia 50+ Center, March 2024: The East Columbia 50+ Center opened in March 2024, the new state of the art 29,000 square feet 50+ Center is the largest 50+ Center in Howard County. The East Columbia 50+ Center increased in size by more than 25,000 square feet compared to the previous 50+ Center.
- Tables for Connection, March 2024: These tables are solar-powered, wheelchair accessible tables that serve as Wi-Fi hotspots, charging stations, and quick resource hubs. The tables are in parks that serve individuals of all ages and enhance connectivity. This project is designed to increase social connectedness using age-friendly technology.
- Virtual 50+ Employment Expo, May 2024: The first virtual 50+ Employment Expo was held with over 600 50+ job seekers participating and 15 local employers. The Expo included education workshops and employer presentations of job opportunities. The second annual Virtual 50+ Employment EXPO was held on May 1, 2025, with over 500 50+ job seekers and 15 local employers.
- Age-Friendly Outdoor Fitness Lot, June 2024: The Age-Friendly Outdoor Fitness Lot provides state-of-the-art exercise equipment for cardio and strength training to boost fitness, meet other health-minded people and enjoy the benefit of being outdoors.
- Fall Prevention Initiative, July 2024: The community fall prevention initiative was formed to address the high incidence of falls among older adults in Howard County. The initiative brings fall prevention resources directly to residents in 62+ communities through a collaborative effort between the Department of Fire and Rescue Services, Office on Aging & Independence, and Enterprise Residential Services. Additionally, the program has resulted in residents receiving services and resources for medication management, transportation assistance, food security support, advanced planning and home safety modifications.
- Community Living Program Expansion, October 2024: Since 2019, the Community Living Program has provided home modification services to over 1100 older adults and their caregivers. However, in October 2024, the Office of Aging and Independence was awarded a $1.25 million grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development to expand funding for more expensive home modifications such as stair glides, tub cuts, comfort height toilets, and ramps.
The full list of action items detailed in the Age-Friendly 5 year progress report can be found at 2024 HC Age-Friendly Progress Report_Digital_Final.