The City of Gary and the AARP are partnering to create an Age-Friendly Advisory Council.
Gary Mayor Eddie Melton recently announced the new initiative. Representatives from the Mayor's Office of Constituent Services, AARP and Silver Mondays, a local group for seniors, joined the announcement.
The Age-Friendly Advisory Council will consist of 13 members appointed by the mayor for two-year appointments. The council will include representatives from business, health care, transportation, housing and social services sectors, along with older adults. The council will be responsible for planning and implementing age-friendly policies and practices.
“As many of our neighbors grow older and continue to lead active, healthy lives, it's critical that Gary remains a welcoming and inclusive place for seniors in our community,” Melton said in a press release. “The knowledge and advice that will come from this council will be invaluable for my administration.”
The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities is a national initiative. It works to help communities become more age-friendly by addressing the needs of older residents. Nearly 100 million people reside in towns, cities, counties or states that are part of the network.
“A truly livable community is one that serves as a lifelong home for its residents,” said Emily Gorman, AARP Indiana director of community engagement, said. “We are thrilled to see Mayor Melton and the City of Gary recognize the vital role older residents play in its present and future success.”
The advisory council will kick off its first year by conducting a community needs assessment survey. The survey will evaluate the city on eight domains of livability. It will examine transportation, employment, communication, inclusion, health services and community support. The assessment will pinpoint community strengths and needs. Based on the findings, the council will prioritize key areas and develop an action plan.
The Mayor's Office of Constituent Services will collaborate with the council and AARP. They will host roundtable discussions focusing on policies and programs to create communities for all ages in Gary.
“This is a unique opportunity for us to hear directly from our residents about their experiences and needs,” Kianna Grant, director of the Mayor's Office of Constituent Services, said. “As we work to address the challenges faced by our seniors, we want to keep their voices at the center of everything that we do.”
