Overview  

Age Friendly Guilford logo

Guilford County has been designated an Age-Friendly Community by AARP, with the Board of Commissioners formally recognizing this achievement on October 17, 2024. This designation aligns with North Carolina’s commitment to becoming an Age-Friendly State through Governor Roy Cooper’s Executive Order No. 280, signed on May 2, 2023.

Guilford County is part of a growing network of 22 AARP Age-Friendly communities across North Carolina, all working to enhance livability and quality of life for residents of all ages.

This work aligns with North Carolina’s All Ages, All Stages initiative, led by NC DHHS, which supports communities across the state in improving health, independence, and quality of life at every stage.
 

Collaborative Effort with Community Partners

Guilford County has partnered with Senior Resources of Guilford to share leadership of the Age -Friendly Guilford work in the county.  

Well-Spring contributed funding to support early coordination of Age-Friendly efforts in Guilford County and remains engaged through participation in working groups.

Domains of Livability

The 8 Domains of Livability provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the factors that influence quality of life in an age-friendly community. Developed to guide communities in evaluating and strengthening their environments, these interconnected elements describe the physical, social, and service-related conditions that support health, safety, accessibility, and meaningful engagement across the lifespan. By addressing each domain, communities can better assess how policies, infrastructure, and programs shape residents’ ability to remain independent, connected, and actively involved in community life.

  • Outdoor Spaces & Buildings
  • Transportation
  • Housing
  • Social Participation
  • Respect & Social Inclusion
  • Work & Civic Engagement
  • Communication & Information
  • Community & Health Services
Circular chart divided into the eight segments for the domains of livability. Within built environment is included: housing, outdoor spaces and buildings, and transportation. Within social environment is included: health services and community supports, social participation, respect and social inclusion, communication and information, and civic participation and employment.

Current Focus Areas

Workgroups are convening around key focus areas of housing, transportation, and food security. 

Food Security

Find where individuals facing food insecurity, farmers, and consumers can connect with resources they need.

Housing

Find information about housing programs to provide affordable housing for low and moderate-income families.

Transportation

Find information about our public transit system for people living within the county who do not have access to public transit or any other form of transportation.

Get Involved

Community organizations involved in implementing Age-Friendly Guilford welcome resident input and volunteer participation. If you or your organization is interested in participating in Age Friendly Guilford initiatives or workgroups, please contact Robert Gerken by email at: agefriendlyguilford@senior-resources-guilford.org or by phone at 336-373-4816, ext. 252. Residents interested in volunteering or learning more, email  agefriendlyguilford@senior-resources-guilford.org or call 336-373-4816, Ext. 252.

AARP Livability Index

Explore your community through the AARP Livability Index™ tool. It scores neighborhoods and communities across the U.S. for the services and amenities that impact you the most.

AARP Age-Friendly Community Network

Find resources to make your community more age-friendly.

"Guilford County is committed to fostering a well-designed, livable community that promotes health, accessibility, and economic vitality,” said Melvin 'Skip' Alston, Chair of the Board of Commissioners. “This designation reflects our focus on inclusivity and meeting the evolving needs of our residents."

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) presenting the Guilford County Board of Commissioners a certification designating Guilford County as an age friendly community during the October 17, 2024 board meeting.
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) presented the Guilford County Board of Commissioners a certification designating Guilford County as an age friendly community during the October 17, 2024 board meeting.
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