Shante' Brown, Deputy Secretary of Child Development and Early Learning | Pennsylvania Department Of Education
Governor Josh Shapiro has announced that Pennsylvania is now recognized as an Age-Friendly State by AARP. This achievement marks a significant step in the administration's efforts to ensure that older residents of the Commonwealth can live with dignity, independence, and support.
The announcement took place at the White Rose Senior Center in York. Governor Shapiro was accompanied by Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich, local officials, community leaders, and representatives from AARP and the United Way. York County had previously been designated as an Age-Friendly Community in 2020, setting a precedent for other areas with initiatives aimed at supporting older adults. With this new statewide designation, all 67 counties in Pennsylvania are now considered Age-Friendly Communities.
"My Administration is fighting for Pennsylvanians every day, and that includes investing in and building a Commonwealth that cares for and supports older adults," stated 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."
Speakers at the event included Cathy Bollinger, Governor Josh Shapiro, Secretary Jason Kavulich, Bill Johnston-Walsh, and Carmen Bell.
Alerts Sign-up