Item 6: Age-Friendly Action Plan Priority Areas — original pdf
Age-Friendly Action Plan Priority Areas 2026-2031 Current AFA Domains: Outdoor Spaces and Buildings Transportation Housing Respect and Social Inclusion Social Participation Civic Engagement and Employment Communication and Information Community and Health Services Proposed Priority Areas: 1. Social Engagement, Connection, & Inclusion Aligns with Domains: Social Participation, Respect & Social Inclusion, Communication & Information Why this Priority: The Older Adults Quality of Life (QoL) Study found high risks of social isolation particularly among LGBTQIA+ seniors, people with disabilities, and lower income older adults. Furthermore, Districts 2&4 had lower communication scores. With low-income seniors and seniors with disabilities facing greater communication barriers. Potential Key Objectives & Actions • Combat Social Isolation: Increase recreation, leisure, and educational activities, focusing on culturally diverse programming. • Bridge the Digital Divide: Promote technology training to help older adults stay • • connected Improve Information Access: Leverage trusted community networks and non- digital channels to distribute information. Inclusive City Planning: Integrate seniors into City planning initiatives by utilizing community ambassadors and other trusted community networks (ex. formalize a paid Community Ambassador program to act as trusted bridges and utilize high-tra(cid:431)ic trusted venues like libraries, parks, and recreation centers for engagement). Last updated: January 6th, 2026 Previous Related Goals & Strategies AFA Action Plan 2021-2025 • Increase recreation, leisure, and educational activities targeting older adults, including multigenerational programs • Expand city-wide interagency collaborations to identify and optimize • • opportunities for senior engagement Increase in amenities at parks and public spaces Integrate age-inclusive policies as criteria for decision making and promote age- friendly customer service best practices • Ensure services and programs targeted to seniors respect racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity and are welcoming and inclusive • Identify opportunities for seniors to participate in multi-group service day events • Make City of Austin’s Commission on Aging meetings accessible for older adults • Provide multi-cultural information and resources, recognizing the diversity of Austin’s senior population. • Promote technologies and technology training that help older adults stay connected to their community, friends, and family. 2. Health, Mobility, and Accessibility Aligns with Domains: Community & Health Services, Transportation, and Outdoors Spaces & Buildings Why this Priority: The QoL study highlights gaps in food security for District 3 and seniors with disabilities. Concerns about healthcare access arose for those seniors ages 50-64 who do not yet qualify for Medicare. Potential Key Objectives & Actions • Enhance Food Access: increase access to healthy …
