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Age Friendly Grand Rapids

In 2006, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched Age-Friendly Communities to help cities prepare for the parallel trends of a rapidly aging world population and increasing urbanization. In 2016 the City of Grand Rapids partnered with AARP, an institutional affiliate of WHO, to pursue and obtain accreditation as an Age-Friendly Community. The global initiative aspires to:

  • Improve communities
  • Sustain economic growth
  • Make for happier healthier residents of all ages 

The Work of AARP and the City included extensive community engagement and resulted in the draft Grand Rapids Age-Friendly Action Plan. The Action Plan aligns with the City of Grand Rapids values and focuses on Four Domains of Livability with each domain having its own set of Goals and Action Steps.

In January 2024, the Age-Friendly Action Plan was formally approved by AARP. Grand Rapids was renewed as a member of The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. The designation is valid until January, 2027, when further reporting is due.

Download Age Friendly Action Plan

Four Domains of Livability

Communication

Goals for Improving Communication
  • Create a physical or virtual one-stop resource with a focus on health, housing, transportation, utilities, food, in-home services, and social activities.
  • Develop a multi-faceted communication plan.

Housing

Goals for Improving Housing
  • Increase fair rental practices for seniors.
  • Encourage community discussion and increase marketing of Our City Academy to older adults.
  • Provide relevant information to state level policy makers about the need for housing options and services.

Outdoor Spaces

Goals for Improving Outdoor Spaces
  • Include older adults in walking audits to increase pedestrian safety and access.
  • Improve sidewalks and pedestrian crossings.
  • Focus on winter sidewalk issues (ice/snow).
  • Add benches and plantings to expand pedestrian comfort and enjoyment.
  • Create safety/education/outreach programs and messaging.

Transportation

Goals for Improving Transportation
  • Develop and promote awareness of current and future transportation options and resources.
  • Create and expand programs to address improved customer service and safety issues.
  • Explore partnerships for the development of dedicated routes for older adults.
United Way 211 Service

United Way 2-1-1 is an easy way to connect with help of all kinds, right in your community. Whoever you are, whatever your needs, 2-1-1 makes it easy to find food, shelter, utility assistance, disaster recovery, childcare, transportation, and more. Just call, text, or search online and they’ll get you connected.

Learn More

Call

211 or 1-800-887-1107

Text

Text your zip code to 898211

Chat Online or Search for Services Near You

www.hwmuw.org/211

Atoine Court.jpg

Antoine Court Apartments 

Grand Rapids is rich with resources for seniors, and Age-Friendly Grand Rapids is striving to make them easier to find. Drawing from a variety of sources, we have mapped locations of housing options and organizations that provide services to seniors. Take a minute to explore the maps to learn what is available in your neighborhood and the broader community, too.

Past Spotlights 

January 2022: Creston Walking Program

An Age-Friendly Grand Rapids partner organization, the North End Wellness Coalition (NEWC), created a walking program to improve access to outdoor spaces and activity for all ages. Read more here. 

March 2022: Age-Friendly Parks 

Parks and Recreation has created a list of the twenty-eight parks that are the most Age-Friendly and their corresponding amenities and features. Read more here. 

We're spreading the word, check out our articles below.

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Contact Us

Phone
616-456-4100

Email
planning@grcity.us 

Location
City of Grand Rapids Planning Department
1120 Monroe Ave NW 3rd Floor
Grand Rapids 49503

Events

GVSU 21st Annual Art & Science of Aging Conference 

Friday, March 13, 2026
9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. 
GVSU Richard M. DeVos Center, 401 W Fulton
Click here for more information

Creston Walks

Date Every Wednesday at 12 p.m.
Location: Meet in the parking lot at 205 Carrier St NE