Age-Friendly Guilford is a designation given by AARP to communities who are working to ensure that the physical, social and service environments are designed to support the needs of the aging, allow seniors independence, and raise their quality of life. An Age-Friendly community looks to improve outdoor spaces, transportation, civic participation and employment, communication and information, respect and inclusion, social participation, health services, and housing. Senior Resources of Guilford is the lead agency for the county-wide initiative, providing support for Age-Friendly Guilford.
As Age-Friendly Guilford continues to move forward, our work groups are actively engaged in several key initiatives, including:
- Housing - Identifying available home repair and maintenance programs, along with developing recommendations and actions to expand access and support both in-place modifications and new home construction. Dan Curry, Community Advocate, is the Chair of this Domain. There are thirty-three members on this Domain Task Force.
- Food Insecurities - Assessing existing food support programs, with the goal of increasing availability through targeted recommendations and actions. Rebekah Dobbins, Greater High Point Food Alliance, is the Chair of this Domain. There are twenty members on this Domain Task Force.
- Transportation - Reviewing current transportation services, focusing on identifying service gaps and proposing solutions to minimize those gaps. Mark Kirstner, Community Advocate, is the Chair of this Domain. There are sixteen members on this Domain Task Force.
- “Walk With A Doc” – Walk With A Doc is a national walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. Monthly, attendees will take a few minutes to learn about a current health issue from a healthcare professional, then spend the rest of the hour enjoying a healthy walk and having fun conversation. Chapters will be started throughout Guilford County.
- Guilford County Sheriff Department’s Senior Academy – Age-Friendly Guilford has delivered “Aging-In-Place” presentations at nine Senior Academy events. Bob Gerken, Age-Friendly Guilford Coordinator, is a “Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist (CAPS)”. Additionally, Senior Resources of Guilford hosts these meetings in partnership with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department.
- High Point’s HP2045 Task Force – AFG is an active member of this Task Force which has been charged with the task of monitoring the progress of High Point’s 2045 Comp Plan.
- Guilford County Transportation Advisory Board – Bob Gerken, Age-Friendly Guilford Coordinator, is the Chair of this Advisory Board.
- Aging-In-Place Presentations – As a member of AARP’s HomeFit Guide Advisory Council, a National Trainer, and Program Facilitator, Bob Gerken, Age-Friendly Guilford Coordinator is available to facilitate Aging-In-Place presentations in your community or with your group.
These Age-Friendly Guilford efforts are critical to ensure that Guilford County remains a community where individuals of all ages can thrive, be safe and secure, have affordable and appropriate housing and transportation options, and offer supportive community services and features. Once in place, these resources enhance personal independence, allow residents to age in place, and foster engagement in their community’s economic, civic, and social life.
- Age-Friendly Communities are livable for people of all ages, abilities, and economic levels.
- Age-Friendly Communities encourage active participation of older residents.
- Age-Friendly Communities are good for public health and the environment.
- Age-Friendly Communities promote social equity.
- Age-Friendly Communities engage residents.
Age-Friendly Communities don’t feel like just another place to live. Age-Friendly Communities feel like HOME.
To get involved with Age-Friendly Guilford, contact Bob Gerkin, Age-Friendly Coordinator, at (336) 373-4816, extension 252 or send an email to agefriendlyguilford@senior-resources-guilford.org.