Background
The Age-Friendly Innovation Center (AFIC) is part of The Ohio State University, College of Social Work. AFIC works to improve the social, built, and service environments that support inclusive community livability for people of all ages and abilities.
This work is done through robust engagement with older adults in the lead, identifying challenges and solutions to improve the quality of life for individuals of all ages and abilities. Since 2016 when Age-Friendly Columbus joined the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities and Communities and AARP’s Livability Communities networks, followed by Age-Friendly Franklin County (2018), we can confidently say our team of residents, practitioners, scholars, and students are making our world a better place to age. Leveraging the first five years of success, AFIC received college center designation in May of 2021. This designation has allowed AFIC to expand the mission beyond the borders of Columbus and Franklin County, deepening knowledge and innovations to further support older adults locally, nationally, and internationally.
AFIC was recognized by The Council on Social Work Education Commission for Diversity and Social Economic Justice, receiving the prestigious Community Partnership Action Award in 2019. AFIC was also honored with the Ohio State Outreach and Engagement award in 2020 and Dr. Holly Dabelko-Schoeny, Director of Research, received the Community Engagement Scholar award in 2021.
Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County Foundational Reports
- Central Ohio Regional Assessment on Aging Dashboard (2021)
- Age-Friendly 5 Year Progress Report (2021)
- Age-Friendly Franklin County Strategic Plan (2020)
- Age-Friendly Progress Report (2018)
- Age-Friendly Columbus Making Columbus a Better City for Residents of all Ages and Abilities Research Brief (2018)
- Age-Friendly Columbus Strategic Plan (2017)
- Age-Friendly Columbus Findings Report (2016)