Celebrate 10 Years of Age-Friendly Work Across Central Ohio

The Age-Friendly Innovation Center, home to Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County, is building a community that includes people of all ages through the dedication of local leaders, elected officials, community organizations and, most importantly, older residents.

This digital timeline highlights some of our most significant milestones since joining the Age-Friendly Communities Network in 2016. Help us celebrate these historic moments in making our community an even better place to age.

2016

AFIC team members with older individuals posing with the Columbus skyline behind them

Supported by Mayor Andrew Ginther, Columbus was the 60th U.S. and 2nd Ohio community to join the World Health Organization (WHO) and AARP Livable Communities Network. Columbus’ designation marked the official launch of the city’s commitment to helping all residents age with dignity and choice.
The Age-Friendly Columbus Findings Report highlighted discoveries from the community survey, focus groups and walk audits, ensuring the voice of older residents drives community change.

“Just because we are old, doesn't mean we can't contribute.”

50+ Resident Council member

2017

Older person with short gray hair and glasses sitting indoors, wearing a yellow T-shirt. Glassware and a cabinet are in the background.

"A Day in the Life of Karen" documentary highlighted the lived experience of an older Columbus resident. Shown across the United States, the documentary brought the Age-Friendly framework to life and emphasized the importance of experience experts being centered in community change.
Age-Friendly Columbus Strategic Plan launched strategies across all eight domains of livability.

2018

People engaged in a craft activity around a table filled with colorful items, with large green leaves in the background.

#ButtonUpAgeism campaign debuted with "Aging: So Cool Everyone is Doing It^©" buttons.
Franklin County officially joined the WHO and AARP network with commitment from the Franklin County Board of Commissioners. The Age-Friendly initiative transitioned from its first home, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, to The Ohio State University College of Social Work.
Coalition of Age-Friendly Community of Ohio (CAFCO) was founded to educate, mentor and support each other and the work of age-friendly communities.

2019

Group sitting on a bench and talking at a city bus stop.

Age-Friendly Mobility Project Launch debuted showcasing multiple transportation and mobility strategies kicking off first phase of the Safe Routes to Age in Place work, through the support of the Ohio Department of Transportation. Learn more about the Age-Friendly Mobility Project.
Center leadership was selected for local TEDx talks shared critical aging aspects. (Talk 1, Talk 2)

2020

Positive aging campaign graphic featuring Franklin County Senior Companions Volunteers.

Age-Friendly Franklin County Plan was published – expanding on and launching new strategies countywide.
COVID brought the need to quickly collaborate with community partners to build older adult resilience during the shutdown.
The Age-Friendly Innovation Center was established in the College of Social Work at The Ohio State University, formalizing a commitment to age-friendly research, education and outreach beyond Columbus and Franklin County. Read the 2021 Stillman Magazine story (page 6).

2021

Seven people standing together at an indoor community or campus event.

Along with the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging and the Franklin County Office on Aging, Age-Friendly led the 2021 Central Ohio Regional Assessment on Aging and public data dashboard.
AFIC Scholars Program launched – resulting in students from 27 different majors and programs coming together for educational, experiential and services learning grounded in intergenerational connection.
Safe Routes to Age in Place through Villages research project supported alternative transportation options for older adults. With external support, transportation habits, social interactions, and overall well‑being were monitored to better understand mobility challenges and opportunities.

2022

Three people speaking together at an indoor community event.

Through the support of the HealthPath Foundation, AFIC launched the Age-Friendly Technical Assistance Program to support and mentor mentor dozens of communities in Ohio and across the U.S.
Age-Friendly was selected to take on leadership of the Senior Services Roundtable of Columbus and Franklin County, a platform that connects professionals, students, community members, elected officials and older adults. Listen to the podcast episode.

2023

Person holding a button that reads, Aging, so cool everybody is doing it!

To positively impact the aging experience for all, AFIC dedicated resources to co-imaging aging-well alongside LGBTQ+ older adults through research and community engagement efforts.

2024

A group of people at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, holding a red ribbon in front of a black vehicle.

AFIC, alongside partners and affiliates, published Age-friendly and Climate Resilient Communities: A Grey–green Alliance, and officially named a ninth domain.
In partnership with Bridges Community Action, A Way Out LLC, and Union County's Neighbor to Neighbor, Marysville Mary-Go-Round – a free weekly transportation service – was created to connect older residents to grocery stores, restaurants and pharmacies.

2025

Two people reviewing a small device together at an indoor event table.

Through the Weather and Aging Resilience Model (W.A.R.M) for Affordable Housing study, a toolkit was developed for service coordinators and human services professionals working in Ohio low-income housing properties to support disaster preparedness and response – support came from COAAA and City of Columbus.
Creative Mornings Columbus shared its platform for encouraging local creatives to reimagine their view of aging and how that impacts art and media they bring into the world.
Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging Statewide Partnership award was received for community engaged research efforts with COAAA across housing, emergency preparedness, and more.

2026 and Beyond

AFIC was the proud recipient of the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging, Statewide Partnership Award. This award reflected on-going collaboration with the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, including recent work on the Shallow Subsidy Pilot Project

Thank you to all who have championed and engaged in the work of creating a more Age-Friendly Central Ohio over the past 10 years. To the foundations, corporations, local, state and federal governmental agencies, and individual donors, we are grateful for your collaboration and humbled by your trust as together we all make this work possible. And thank you to all the community members who have shared their time and voice with us.

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