Pa. becomes 'Age-Friendly State' per AARP designation

York, Pa. — Governor Josh Shapiro announced on Thursday that Pennsylvania has officially been designated as an Age-Friendly State by AARP.

Shapiro made the announcement at the White Rose Senior Center in York, where he was joined by Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) Secretary Jason Kavulich, local officials, community leaders, and partners from AARP and the United Way.

York County became an Age-Friendly Community in 2020, leading the way with local solutions to better support older adults. Now, with Pennsylvania's statewide designation, that recognition expands to all 67 counties — meaning that for the first time ever — all Pennsylvanians now live in an Age-Friendly Community.

"My Administration is fighting for Pennsylvanians every day, and that includes investing in and building a Commonwealth that cares for and supports older adults," said Governor Shapiro. "Our seniors have earned the right to age with dignity and respect, and under my Administration, we created a 10-year master plan that brings together 29 state agencies to deliver real results for our seniors - from expanding access to home care and transportation to cutting their taxes through the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program to increasing transparency and accountability of the local organizations that provide protective services. That work is getting noticed, and I'm proud that AARP has recognized Pennsylvania as one of just 13 Age-Friendly States in the country."

Pennsylvania’s designation comes at a pivotal moment. By 2030, one in three Pennsylvanians will be over the age of 60, with the Commonwealth’s older adult population expected to reach 3.8 million — outnumbering every other age group.

The Age-Friendly designation, awarded by AARP in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), recognizes states and communities committed to being great places to grow up and grow older. Pennsylvania is now one of just 13 states nationwide — and the only new state this year — to receive this distinction.

There are approximately 700 Age-Friendly communities across the country, including 10 in Pennsylvania. Communities such as Pittsburgh and the Lehigh Valley are already hosting regional events to promote Age-Friendly practices, with additional events planned this year in Lackawanna, York, and Philadelphia.

“Pennsylvania’s aging population provides us with an opportunity – not a challenge – to build better communities for all generations,” said Secretary Kavulich. “The Aging Our Way, PA plan reflects our commitment to making sure older adults have the services, respect, and support they deserve. Thanks to Governor Shapiro’s leadership, we’re working across agencies and with community partners to make every town, city, and neighborhood more age-friendly.”