Governor Hickenlooper Announces “Lifelong Colorado,” Designates Colorado as an AARP Age-Friendly State.

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Colorado will be announced as a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities at a Press Conference: 11 a.m. on Sept. 18 at the Colorado State Capitol.

AARP Colorado State Director Bob Murphy will present the Age Friendly States and Communities recognition certificate to Gov. John Hickenlooper.

“We congratulate Governor Hickenlooper on his decision to create Lifelong Colorado, the launching of a holistic, cross-disciplinary approach to the challenges and opportunities presented by the aging of our state,” Murphy said.

The AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities was formed in 2012 to help cities and states prepare for their own growing population of older adults. Members become part of a global network of communities committed to providing older adults with the opportunity to live rewarding, productive and safe lives.

The designation means a city or state will work to become a great place to live with features such as walkable streets, affordable housing, transportation, access to key services and civic engagement opportunities for residents as they age.

Currently, eight cities and counties have received the designation by AARP. Denver was awarded in 2014, Colorado Springs and Larimer County in 2015, Boulder and Fruita in 2016. Manitou Springs, Pitkin County, and Eagle County gained the designation in 2017.

“Surveys across the United States consistently tell us 85 percent of older Americans want to age in place – in their homes, close to family, friends and places of worship, as well as all the cultural, retail, recreational and health-care options their communities have to offer,” said Bob Murphy AARP Colorado state director. “Age-Friendly states and communities foster respect and intergenerational inclusion through a variety of opportunities, encouraging social and civic participation and offering prospects for employment, entrepreneurism and volunteerism. We are very proud of the number and quality of Colorado communities that have earned the age-friendly designation, and are thrilled with Governor Hickenlooper’s decision to designate the entire state as “Age-Friendly.”