Age-Friendly Baltimore County

What are age-friendly communities?

An age-friendly, livable community is one that is safe and secure, has affordable and accessible housing and transportation options, offers supportive community features and services, and promotes the physical and psychological well-being of residents of all ages and abilities. It is a place where people can live their entire lives, if they so desire, and where they feel welcome, connected, valued, and engaged. 

AGE-FRIENDLY baltimore county action plan

In August 2019, Baltimore County launched the Age-Friendly Baltimore County initiative to create a more livable community for residents of all ages and abilities. By joining the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities and World Health Organization’s (WHO) Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Program, the County committed to addressing the challenges of rapid population aging and urbanization.

The Baltimore County Department of Aging (BCDA) leads this effort, collaborating with over 100 representatives from community organizations and sectors such as health, housing, transportation, and environmental services. Together, they developed a five-year action plan to make Baltimore County a more inclusive and supportive place to live.

The action plan is based on the eight domains of livability recommended by AARP and WHO:

  1. Civic participation and Employment
  2. Communications and Information
  3. Community and Health Services
  4. Housing
  5. Outdoor spaces and Buildings
  6. Respect and Social Inclusion
  7. Social Participation
  8. Transportation

Partnering with community agencies and volunteers, the County identified new projects and programs to improve residents’ quality of life. Implementation of the goals outlined in the action plan is already underway, advancing the County’s commitment to becoming a truly age-friendly community.

For full details on the action plan, visit the Age-Friendly Baltimore County Action Plan.

Final report

Over the past five years, Baltimore County has made significant strides in becoming an age-friendly community, reflecting its commitment to improving the quality of life for older adults. The Age-Friendly Baltimore County Final Report 2021 to 2024, released in October 2024, marks the completion of the initial phase of the County’s action plan.

Key accomplishments include:

  • Housing Reform: A 2023 legislative package expanded housing opportunities and addressed community concerns across Baltimore County.
  • BCAUSE Program: Launched to provide essential home repairs and safety modifications for homeowners aged 65 and older, helping them age safely in place.
  • The Loop Transportation Service: A free circulator system in Towson, enhancing mobility for all residents.
  • Intergenerational Programs: New events and programs hosted in libraries, senior centers, and community groups to foster connections across generations.
  • Accessible Parks and Facilities: Upgrades at several locations to make parks and public spaces welcoming and usable for everyone.

These efforts, driven by partnerships with community agencies and volunteers, reflect Baltimore County’s dedication to inclusivity and innovation. The County’s improved AARP Livability Index score, rising from 50 to 55, underscores its progress and positions it among the top half of U.S. communities.

Next Steps

We extend our gratitude to the County government and our community partners for their collaborative efforts, which have been instrumental in achieving these key milestones. The integration of an age-friendly perspective into the 2030 Baltimore County Masterplan exemplifies our forward-thinking approach. By involving leaders from county departments, we will continue to ensure future planning meets the needs of residents of all ages. Together, we continue striving to create a community where everyone can thrive—fostering dignity, independence and an enhanced quality of life for all.

Contact information

For more information on Age-Friendly Baltimore County, please contact HoSang Lee, Special Projects Coordinator, at 410-887-7985 or afbc@baltimorecountymd.gov.