BUILDING AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES TOGETHER - AGE-FRIENDLY INNOVATION CENTER - CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF PROGRESS
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BUILDING AGE-FRIENDLY
COMMUNITIES TOGETHER
AGE-FRIENDLY INNOVATION CENTER
CELEBRATING FIVE YEARS OF PROGRESS
agefriendlycolumbus.org
“ AGING IS NOT A PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED. INSTEAD, IT’S MORE A QUESTION OF, ‘HOW CAN WE BE TOGETHER IN OUR COMMUNITY? WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM ELDERS?’” –TOM GREGOIRE, PHD DEAN, THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK
WELCOME TO
AGE-FRIENDLY
THANK YOU TO OUR COLLABORATORS IN THIS WORK
INSIDE
AARP OHIO CENTRAL OHIO TRANSIT EMPLOYMENT FOR SENIORS MID-OHIO REGIONAL
AUTHORITY AND MOBILITY PLANNING COMMISSION 6 ABOUT AGE-FRIENDLY
AARP LIVABLE FRANKLIN COUNTY BOARD
SERVICES
COMMUNITIES/AGE- OF COMMISSIONERS NATIONAL CHURCH
FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES CITY OF COLUMBUS FRANKLIN COUNTY OFFICE RESIDENCES 12 COLLECTIVE IMPACT
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CITY OF COLUMBUS ON AGING OHIO DEPARTMENT OF AGING
SERVICE COORDINATORS DEPARTMENTS OF FRANKLIN COUNTY 28 INTRODUCING THE AGE-FRIENDLY
OHIO DEPARTMENT OF
PUBLIC SERVICE, PARKS
CATHOLIC SOCIAL
AND RECREATION, AND
TOWNSHIPS, VILLAGES, TRANSPORTATION INNOVATION CENTER
SERVICES, SENIOR AND CITIES
DEVELOPMENT THE OSTEOPATHIC HERITAGE
COMPANIONS PROGRAM
CITY OF COLUMBUS, OFFICE
GREATER COLUMBUS FOUNDATION 30 RESEARCH, PUBLICATIONS
CENTRAL OHIO AREA NETWORK OF VILLAGES
AGENCY ON AGING
OF THE MAYOR RED CROSS, GREATER AND TOOLKITS
KIRWAN INSTITUTE FOR COLUMBUS CHAPTER
COALITION OF AGE-FRIENDLY
THE COLUMBUS THE STUDY OF RACE
COMMUNITIES OF OHIO SENIOR SERVICES
FOUNDATION AND ETHNICITY
ROUNDTABLE
COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL
CENTER FOR URBAN AND LIFECARE ALLIANCE
REGIONAL ANALYSIS COLUMBUS FEDERATION OF METRO MIDDLE SCHOOL
SETTLEMENT HOUSES
“ WE’RE KNOCKING DOWN
GENERATIONAL BARRIERS, AND WHEN
WE’RE NOT KNOCKING THEM DOWN, WE’RE
MAKING THEM MORE POROUS TO MAKE
PEOPLE MORE COMFORTABLE TOGETHER.
THAT’S WHAT A COMMUNITY IS.”
–TOM GREGOIRE, PHD
DEAN, THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK
In 2016, we joined the World Health What sets us apart? Our participatory, community-
Organization and AARP International Network based research approach that makes older adults
of Age-Friendly Communities and thus our partners in this work, as well as our dedication to
our commitment toward creating inclusive inclusive engagement. Indeed, we are most proud of
processes, programs and policies. This the grassroots effort that drives this initiative forward.
work was done through robust community To the more than 1,500 older adults who have taken
engagement, with older adults as our leaders in surveys and participated in focus groups, the 125
identifying challenges and ideas for solutions. volunteers who have shared their experiences on
committees, the over 80 students who ensure these
More than five years later, we can confidently efforts will be sustained long into the future through
say: This work is changing the landscape for their research and engagement, and others who
older adults throughout Columbus — and since have made this work possible: Thank you.
the project’s expansion in 2018 — all of Franklin
County. The community impacts of this work And now, as we reflect on the program’s first five
reverberate beyond older adults, increasing years of impact, we’re even more excited to look
quality of life for individuals of all age groups toward the future. Effective May 2021, our program
and abilities within and outside central Ohio, as has earned the title of “center” at the College of
our results are shared with partners across the Social Work. The Age-Friendly Innovation Center,
United States and around the globe. as it will be known moving forward, will build on A community that “recognizes the great
the foundational work of the past five years to diversity among older persons, promotes
A program of The Ohio State University create an even more age-friendly future. Read WHAT IS AN their inclusion and contributions in all
College of Social Work, we are uniquely more about the new center on page 28.
positioned to move the needle. Harnessing
AGE-FRIENDLY areas of community life, respects their
decisions and lifestyle choices, and
the partnerships and resources of one of We all want to age in place, on our own terms — COMMUNITY? anticipates and responds flexibly to
the nation’s most comprehensive land-grant maintaining our independence as we grow older. aging-related needs and preferences.”
universities, we improve social, built and Support for Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin
service environments that support livability for County, now the Age-Friendly Innovation Center,
people of all ages and abilities. will make this possible.
6 AGEFRIENDLYCOLUMBUS.ORG FIVE-YEAR PROGRESS REPORT 7
2016–2020
OUR FIRST FIVE YEARS, BY THE NUMBERS
older adults participated in surveys,
2,430 focus groups and walk audits on
inclusive planning 11,829 touchpoints with
community members
2,000 EMERGENCY KITS AND 10,000 FILES OF LIFE DISTRIBUTED
9 transportation projects
piloted $2 MILLION+ 82 college students
representing
grant funding received by 14 disciplines
28 local, regional and statewide Age-Friendly to engage
committees enhanced by in research, teaching and engaged in work
adding the age-friendly lens community engagement with older adults
DID YOU KNOW?
Franklin County’s population of adults
aged 60 and over is expected to double
between 2010 and 2050. In the United
States, the number of adults aged 65
and over is projected to be greater than
the number of children under 18.
8 AGEFRIENDLYCOLUMBUS.ORG FIVE-YEAR PROGRESS REPORT 9
AGE-FRIENDLY VALUES
Provide safe and accessible indoor Commit to honor respect, inclusion
and outdoor spaces and social participation in our work
Ensure older adults can get where Provide opportunities to work,
they need to go volunteer and engage
Ensure older adults have access to Recognize communication needs of
housing older adults
Ensure the safety of older adults in Ensure access to community and
the event of emergency health services
2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
2016 — Assessment 2017 — Planning 2018 — Implementation 2019 — Implementation 2020 — Implementation 2021 and Beyond —
• Age-Friendly Columbus • Age-Friendly Columbus • Age-Friendly Columbus • Awarded the Council on Social • Launched the Positive Aging Toward an Age-Friendly
launched at Mid-Ohio Findings Report released moved to The Ohio State Work Education’s National campaign featuring local Future
Regional Planning • Councils and subcommittees University College of Social Community Partnership Action elders in central Ohio • Age-Friendly Innovation
Commission reconvened to create Work Award • Created short-term programs Center opens
• Advisory council, strategic plan • Age-Friendly Columbus • Mobility-centered focus groups in response to COVID-19 • 2021 Regional Assessment
subcommittees and 50+ • Community workshop co- expanded to Age-Friendly and community walk audits • Concluded final year of initial on Aging and data dashboard
resident council formed hosted with AARP Ohio to test Columbus and Franklin held five-year program cycle ready to launch
• Survey of Columbus residents strategies County • Age-friendly mobility • 3,324 individuals participated
age 50+ • Neighborhood walk audits • Awarded the Charles B. projects began with the Ohio in presentations, strategy
• Neighborhood walk audits and focus groups conducted Jenkins Legacy Award by Department of Transportation, implementation and pilot
and focus groups conducted • Age-Friendly Columbus Employment for Seniors Central Ohio Transit Authority, projects
• 944 individuals participated in Strategic Plan released • 4,487 individuals participated 99P Labs, Greater Columbus
presentations, focus groups, • 1,113 individuals participated in presentations, focus Network of Villages, Lyft
walk audits and more in presentations, focus groups groups, and strategy Central Ohio and Clintonville-
and walk audit implementation and/or Beechwold Community
committees Resources Center
• 4,907 individuals participated
in presentations, focus groups,
strategy implementation and
pilot projects
10 AGEFRIENDLYCOLUMBUS.ORG FIVE-YEAR PROGRESS REPORT 11
COLLECTIVE IMPACT
AGING IN PLACE
Greater Columbus Network of Villages and other programs completed during this
Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County time. Village programs serve distinct areas
is pleased to work with the Greater Columbus of the city and focus on the unique needs of
Network of Villages (GCNV), an innovative and each neighborhood and community, while
inclusive approach to aging in place that helps working together to stretch resources, share
to address the economic and social needs of best practices, coordinate social activities,
Columbus’ older adults. and provide an ever-stronger network of
support to neighbors. Villages are grassroots,
Between 2017 and 2021, central Ohio grew from member-driven community organizations
two villages to six. Age-Friendly partnered with that empower older adults by providing
the GCNV on many pilot projects, focus groups, engagement and connection.
Villages Outdoor Home Maintenance
An important part of aging in community?
BY THE NUMBERS
Ensuring that older adults are economically able
to maintain their homes — including regular home
maintenance and unanticipated expenses. When
• Distribution of 50 ice melt kits
surveyed by Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin • Large tree removal
County, 30% of older adults replied “No” or “I’m • Repair of front step handrail
not sure,” when asked if they agree that they are • Purchase of supplies for a
able to maintain the outside of their home. mobility ramp repair
• Purchase of rakes, gloves, lawn
In 2020, through collaborative advocacy between bags, a battery powered lawn
GCNV and Age-Friendly, Columbus City Council
provided new funding to Greater Columbus
mower and hedge trimmers
Network of Villages to assist with minor home • Installation of a new handrail
maintenance costs for older adults. • Sidewalk repair
• Gutter cleaning
• Installation of a storm door
12 AGEFRIENDLYCOLUMBUS.ORG FIVE-YEAR PROGRESS REPORT 13
COLLECTIVE IMPACT
MOBILITY
Safe Routes to Age in Place
“ RIGHT NOW, I CAN DO WHATEVER I
WANNA DO. I CAN GO WHEREVER I WANNA
GO, WHENEVER I FEEL LIKE IT. BUT AT
SOME POINT IN TIME, THAT MIGHT NOT BE
THE CASE. THEN WHAT’S MY LIFE GONNA
In 2019–2020, Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin
County created and piloted the Safe Routes to Age in
EVERY MOVE YOU MAKE
BE LIKE?”
Place program to address transportation challenges faced AND
FRANKLIN COUNTY
by older adults who may not be interested in/able to drive –FRANKLIN COUNTY RESIDENT AND STUDY PARTICIPANT
and require access to a variety of transportation options.
Older adult residents from three Franklin County
communities (Prairie Township, City of Westerville and the
Near Eastside of Columbus) participated in the pilot study, Safe Routes
which used the MyAmble app developed by the University to Age in Place
of Texas at Arlington School of Social Work to track details
of their daily transportation experiences during a two-
week period. The data collected increased knowledge of Age-Friendly Transit riders’ destinations. By using Lyft, older adults
older adults’ transportation challenges and options and Age-Friendly Transit is a collaborative have access to reliable, affordable transportation
helped identify targeted infrastructure improvements and commitment to increase accessible, safe, and so they may remain active members of their
pilot programs to provide potential solutions. equitable mobility options for older adults and communities.
individuals with disabilities by decreasing barriers
to utilizing fixed route transit. Over the course Lyft impact:
With support from the Ohio Department of Transportation
and in partnership with the University of Texas at of three years, Age-Friendly, COTA, MORPC, • 604 Lyft rides provided in one year
Arlington School of Social Work, Age-Friendly Columbus COAAA, FCOA and Vision Zero Columbus have • 73 individuals participated in the pilot program
and Franklin County created a report and toolkit to met continuously to work on intersecting goals. • 50-90 age range of participants
support other communities seeking Safe Routes to Motor vehicle fatalities involving Increased funding for travel training, translation • 46% of rides were to medical appointments
Age in Place. The documents, available at https:// drivers and other road users ages of paratransit brochures, and transit-specific • 3,595 total miles traveled through the pilot
agefriendlycolumbus.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/ 65+ increased 32% between 2010 focus groups with older immigrants and refugees program
SRTAIP-Final-Report.pdf, serve as a guide for and 2019. have been completed, as well the submission of
communities to engage with older adults to find real- multiple co-agency grant applications.
—U.S. CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL Neighborhood Circulators
world solutions to mobility challenges. AND PREVENTION The Neighborhood Circulators bus program
Lyfting Villages
When volunteer-drivers are not available to also increases transportation options for older
transport members of the Greater Columbus residents. Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin
Network of Villages, members can now be County partnered with Clintonville-Beechwold
Community Resources Center, Village in
1,190 trips 72 %
Improved
Participant Mood
connected to transportation through Lyft, a
rideshare app. Staff at Village in the Ville, At the Ville, Greater Hilltop Area Shalom Zone,
recorded by older adults
Home by High and Ville on the Hill coordinate Ville on the Hill and the Mid-Ohio Regional
with Lyft on behalf of their members — who Planning Commission to offer neighborhood
receive the rides free of charge. Lyft drivers bus circulators to older adults. Bus stops were
85% Designated
as Important 71% Completed through
Driving Themselves receive special instructions, such as how to help selected by older residents, and the service is
with mobility devices or carrying groceries at operated by Clintonville-Beechwold Community
Resources Center.
14 AGEFRIENDLYCOLUMBUS.ORG FIVE-YEAR PROGRESS REPORT 15
COLLECTIVE IMPACT
INTERGENERATIONAL
INITIATIVES STUDENT IN RESIDENCE,
BY THE NUMBERS
“ I SIGNED UP FOR NESTERLY AS SOON
AS I HEARD ABOUT IT. THE EXTRA INCOME
WILL ALLOW US TO MAKE THE HOME
REPAIRS WE’VE BEEN DREAMING ABOUT.
PLUS, WE LOVE THE IDEA OF HAVING A
Age-Friendly Student in Residence Program
Together, Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin HELPFUL YOUNG PERSON AROUND.”
County and Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber 1 social work student, 1 city –CLARA FLACK, COLUMBUS RESIDENT
began the Age-Friendly Student in Residence and regional planning student
Program in 2018. The program aims to support
the well-being of Ohio Living Westminster-
Thurber residents and staff, introduce students 17 months of
and community members to the benefits of living intergenerational living
and working in a life-plan community, and break
down age-based stereotypes.
100+ engagements with
Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County intergenerational reciprocity NESTERLY, BY Nesterly
Intergenerational cohabitation can promote
provides ongoing support for the Student in
Residence, who lives at Ohio Living Westminster-
THE NUMBERS understanding between generations and help cities
like Columbus provide affordable housing options
Thurber and has opportunities to interact with
for residents. That’s why Age-Friendly Columbus and
and be mentored by residents.
Franklin County and the Central Ohio Area Agency on
27,000 bedrooms in Aging teamed up with Nesterly — “a service and online
platform that makes it easy to homeshare with another
the homes of adults 60 generation,” said Nesterly CEO Noelle Marcus, who co-
and older founded the company during her graduate studies at MIT.
Older adult homeowners with an extra room in their
$436 average monthly home can sign up and create a profile on Nesterly.com,
rent paid to those who opening their home to a younger person in exchange for
affordable rent — and sometimes negotiating discounted
share their homes rent in exchange for tasks like grocery shopping, dog
walking and tech support. Users are screened through
$100/month average a rigorous process that includes reference checks and
savings for renters who national and criminal background reports.
help out with tasks Central Ohio is the second market for Nesterly, which
first launched in Boston. “There’s so much potential in
Columbus to build intergenerational connections for
residents who are looking for a mutually beneficial living
environment,” noted Marcus.
16 AGEFRIENDLYCOLUMBUS.ORG FIVE-YEAR PROGRESS REPORT 17
99P Labs 1 Building Entrance
Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County believes that person- There is an automatic door
COLLECTIVE IMPACT centered, intergenerational connections can decrease ageism
— and lead to better outcomes in research and innovation. So,
button for accessibility;
however, the timing is fast.
when Ohio State hosted a research “pitch day” at 99P Labs, Age- Modification: The volunteer
Friendly was quick to get involved. Proposals included ideas for will assist with the door as
creating more sustainable, high-energy lithium batteries, building needed. The door is wider
a “smart” roadway that can tell drivers and pedestrians what’s than 32 inches.
Metro Early College Each January, Age-Friendly In Their Own Words happening outside their line of sight, and Age-Friendly’s project to
Middle School Columbus and Franklin County create a framework for testing, reviewing and enhancing mobility 2 Hallway
What better way to offers “Change AGEnts” at “We can combat ageism innovations for older adults and individuals with disabilities. There is a non-permanent
promote intergenerational Metro Early College Middle in many ways. Making rug in a long hallway that
understanding and creative School. In this class, students connections to older Following the pitch day, a cohort of Age-Friendly Scholars — an leads to the meeting space.
problem-solving than by linking learn about ageism, the aging people. Be an effective interdisciplinary team of students from Ohio State — and older Removal: We will remove
older adults with middle school process and the international communicator. Be adults participated in a series of innovation sessions at 99P Labs. the rug to reduce tripping
students? age-friendly cities movement, RESPECTFUL. My Activities were documented in a variety of ways, including detailed hazards. Addition: We will
then apply their knowledge and experiences with the older meeting and field notes, photos, and videos. add two chairs for a place to
skills to help solve a challenge people were very fun. I rest.
experienced by older adults in think my favorite part was At the first session, Scholars conducted an age-friendly review of
the community. all the crazy stories they 99P Labs, identifying potential barriers to participation and creating 3 Furniture Placement
shared with us.” a list of suggested modifications for future events. The second and There is less than 32 inches
third sessions centered on specific topics related to technology between furniture in current
—METRO STUDENT
and mobility, and the fourth session offered focus groups in six set up. Modification: We will
languages to understand how transportation and mobility challenges configure the room to have
“Thank you for thinking
SINCE 2018 of me and including me
affect the diverse population of Franklin County residents. at least 36 inches between
furniture.
in today’s class! It was
34 Change AGEnts classes have been held, so interesting and mind
4 99P Labs Space Review
enabling 591 student engagements opening to hear aging
Ensure older adults and
discussed in the context for
people with disabilities have
a younger generation and
a positive experience at 99P
I think it helped to expand
Labs and feel purposefully
my own perspective.”
engaged through an age-
—AGE-FRIENDLY SCHOLAR 1 2 friendly space review and
competency trainings.
“I thought that it was cool
to meet an elder and see
5 Neighborhood Ride
what they like to do and
Sharing
how they lived. My favorite
Learn likes and dislikes
part was when she said
about an OnRamp
her worst memory/problem
neighborhood ride sharing
and how she then fixed it
3 4 concept and how to build
and everything was fine. I
trust between older riders
learned what ageism is and
and ride share drivers.
how not to be ageist.”
—METRO STUDENT 6 Vehicle Steering and
Brakes
Gather ideas, information,
etc. based on participant
5 6 driving experiences.
18 AGEFRIENDLYCOLUMBUS.ORG FIVE-YEAR PROGRESS REPORT 19COLLECTIVE IMPACT Coalition of Age-Friendly people of all ages. CAFCO members educate,
Communities of Ohio mentor and support each other and the work of
Between 2014-2019, eight Ohio communities AFCs across Ohio.
joined the WHO and AARP international network
of Age-Friendly Communities (AFC). During A dashboard was created to view responses
ADVOCACY this span, leaders of the member communities
engaged in informal conversations, presentations
to common questions asked by multiple
communities in Ohio which have completed
and one-on-one mentoring. As interest continued their year-one assessments — including
to grow, the need for a more formalized network Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Clinton County,
Committee Contributions Local Committees of AFC in the state became apparent. In 2019, Columbus, Oxford and Westerville. Currently the
Over the past five years, Age-Friendly Columbus and • Age-Friendly COTA Working Group Columbus and Cleveland convened communities dashboard includes questions in the domains of
Franklin County has advocated for older adults on • ADAMH of Franklin County, Board of Trustees from across the state to gather thoughts, personal characteristics, transportation, outdoor
local, statewide and national committees: • Census 2020, Communications concerns and interests of colleagues in working spaces, health and housing, and socialization,
Subcommittee, Transportation Subcommittee, on age-friendly initiatives — and the Coalition of employment and accessing information.
National Committees and Older Adult Subcommittee Age-Friendly Communities of Ohio (CAFCO) was Users are able to select one community, all
• AARP Livable Communities Age-Friendly Academic • Columbus Advisory Committee on Disability created. There are currently 14 Ohio Communities communities, or a cluster of communities such
Research Collaborative Issues engaged in the network. as urban, rural or suburban. In addition, the
• America Walks Conference Planning Committee • COTA Mobility Advisory Board dashboard can be used to examine responses
• Gerontological Society of America 2021 Fellow • Greater Columbus Network of Villages CAFCO brings together member communities by age, gender and race. In the future, identifying
• Transportation Research Board Committee on • LinkUs Columbus that elevate the knowledge and experiences common questions to be asked in reassessments
Accessible Transportation and Mobility • MORPC Regional Housing Study of older adults with data-informed innovations and in first time assessments proactively will
• Ohio Living Westminster-Thurber Board of to collectively create a state that is livable for make this dashboard an even more helpful tool.
Statewide Committees Directors
• Coalition of Age-Friendly Communities of Ohio • Senior Services Roundtable
(CAFCO) • Smart Columbus Data Sub-group
• Ohio Adult Day Services Network • Upper Arlington Commission on Aging, Board
• Ohio Department of Aging, Strategic Action Plan on of Directors CAFCO is making
Aging (SAPA) Advisory Committee • Vision Zero Columbus communities more livable for
• Ohio Department of Transportation Older Road Users nearly 3 million Ohioans.
5
• Ohio Grandparents/Kinship Coalition
• Walk.Bike.Ohio Steering Committee 11 Coalition of Age-Friendly
1 Communities of Ohio
1. Akron, joined 2019
2. Athens, in progress
3. Bellbrook, joined 2020
8 4. Cincinnati, joined 2018
13
12 5. Cleveland, joined 2014
9
7 6. Clinton County, joined 2018
14 7. Columbus, joined 2015
3 8. Delaware County, joined 2018
10
9. Franklin County, joined 2018
6
2 10. Oxford, joined 2017
11. Summit County, joined 2020
4
12. Westerville, joined 2018
13. Worthington, in progress
14. Yellow Springs, joined 2019
20 AGEFRIENDLYCOLUMBUS.ORG FIVE-YEAR PROGRESS REPORT 21COLLECTIVE IMPACT
Grey Green Alliance
ADVANCING AGE-FRIENDLY APPROACHES Older adults are consistently identified as
vulnerable to climate change. The increased
frequency and intensity of extreme weather
events pose a range of threats and opportunities
for our aging world. The Grey Green Alliance is
working to help communities be more climate
SSRT, BY THE resilient and prepared — making our communities
more “livable” for people of all ages.
NUMBERS
The Green Grey Alliance is a partnership between
1,000+ members representing Ohio University and Age-Friendly Columbus
550 organizations and Franklin County, housed at Ohio State’s
College of Social Work. The Alliance’s name
110 total meetings represents both the “grey” older adult population
and “green” environmental efforts, as well as DID YOU KNOW?
6,300 emails connecting the partnership between Ohio University and
seniors to their needs The Ohio State University with their respective Extreme weather events pose
signature green and grey colors. a range of disruptive and even
130+ older adults connected deadly threats to older adults
to services The Alliance has created an emergency
preparedness tool for older adults in Franklin More collaboration across
50 adults received durable County that seeks to mitigate their risk for climate sectors, among researchers,
change by providing information on hazards that practitioners and older adults is
medical equipment will become more frequent and intense — like needed to make communities
floods and heat events — and by providing more livable in a warmer world
information that helps older adults prepare for a
changing world. Many climate-related challenges
and services that provide improved and safe are common across communities,
living conditions, and to promote collaboration The work of the Grey Green Alliance will spread but important differences
among public and private agencies and groups to other communities throughout the United emerge between rural and urban
Senior Services Roundtable of Columbus and to implement solutions to satisfy these needs and States and even internationally, with resources settings and across geographies
Franklin County services. and assistance from Age-Friendly Innovation
The Senior Services Roundtable of Columbus and Center.
Franklin County (SSRT) is proof that concerned Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County
citizens can make an enormous difference. is proud to partner with SSRT, which offers a To learn more or watch the interview, visit
SSRT started in 2007, with Columbus leaders clearinghouse of information and ideas to assist youtube.com/watch?v=qmvddy8xioa.
and activists who wanted to help older adults older adults — including during crisis situations.
remain independent, as well as organizations Members attend free monthly meetings and
serving older adults and caregivers including the to receive emails alerting them to community
Franklin County Office on Aging and the Central happenings, continuing education, durable
Ohio Area Agency on Aging. Together, they medical equipment, employment, public service
created SSRT, whose mission is to advocate for announcements, service resources, senior
seniors and their families by identifying needs connections and more.
22 AGEFRIENDLYCOLUMBUS.ORG FIVE-YEAR PROGRESS REPORT 23Positive Aging Campaign
According to Age-Friendly Columbus and POSITIVE AGING
Franklin County’s 2016 Findings Report, older
adults are concerned that “there is a perception
CAMPAIGN, BY THE
of ageism and negative stereotypes of older
adults in the community.” To counter this, Age-
NUMBERS
Friendly Columbus and Franklin County launched
the Positive Aging Campaign in 2020.
CAMPAIGN REACTIONS
218 older adults and community-based
professionals completed surveys to test
The Positive Aging Campaign features the faces, campaign messaging
voices and stories of local elders on commercials,
billboards and other advertisements in central 18 older adults took part in two focus groups to “(You all) did a wonderful job today making “(What) I learned is not all old people are the
Ohio. The campaign showcases older adults inform the campaign everyone comfortable and feeling at ease. I same and people age differently.”
representing a diverse array of populations — always meet such interesting people plus run —METRO EARLY COLLEGE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT
including race, sexuality, ability, religion and 13 older adults participated in the photoshoot into old friends....at your events.”
neighborhoods, to name just a few — who share 5 billboards received 5,654,407 impressions —PHOTOSHOOT PARTICIPANT “I think that the meaning of the video is that age
their positive thoughts on aging. is only a number, not a brick wall of things you
21 Tweets garnered 19.5K impressions, 2,565 “I made a $100.00 donation to the African can’t do.”
These positive messages are important, as profile visits, and a 300% additional followers American Wellness Walk on the behalf of the — METRO EARLY COLLEGE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT
evidence suggests that ageist attitudes inhibit Positive Aging Campaign ... A family member
6 presentations were made to 648 local and
our ability to understand that activity, happiness, gave me a few dollars to go treat myself and
national attendees
wellness and fulfillment occurs throughout our I decided what better way than to promote
lifetime (McGuire, 2017). 6 classes of 30 students/each at Metro positive health for African Men and our families
Early College Middle School experienced the focusing on our Urban Communities.”
Visit positiveagingcampaign.org to learn more. campaign —PHOTOSHOOT AND CAMPAIGN REVIEW PARTICIPANT
24 AGEFRIENDLYCOLUMBUS.ORG FIVE-YEAR PROGRESS REPORT 25Friendly Phone Line
Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County
COLLECTIVE IMPACT created a friendly phone line for supportive
telephone conversations during the first several The line received 2,262 calls
months of COVID-related restrictions. The and 130 hours of conversations
phones were staffed by 30 Ohio State College
of Social Work students as part of their required Columbus City Council
field practicum, as well as staff from CRC and
COVID RESPONSE Age-Friendly.
CARES Act funding enabled
55 iPads and 12-month data
As the COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately Tablet and Wi-Fi Deployment cards, development of a user
impacted older adults, Age-Friendly Columbus As COVID-19 restrictions limited in-person contact
and increasingly moved interactions to online manual, creation of “digital free
and Franklin County worked quickly to
identify the needs of older residents and platforms, some older adults without internet libraries” in 10 buildings and
launch short-term interventions to provide access or technological devices were further one village, and internet access
isolated and disconnected. In conversations with
emergency preparedness kits, food, personal
service coordinators, Age-Friendly Columbus and
for 765 older adults
protective equipment, social connection and
technology through partnership with local Franklin County learned that the majority of older
organizations. Watch a video about our COVID adult affordable housing buildings across the
response here: https://www.youtube.com/ county lacked internet and device access.
watch?v=Tg5CmUOTApc&t=37s.
Files of Life Partners in this effort included Franklin County
Emergency Preparedness In an emergency, every second counts. Having Office on Aging, Central Ohio Area Agency on
With CARES Act funding from Columbus City a File of Life helps emergency personnel Aging, LifeCare Alliance, Greater Columbus
Council, Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin quickly access life-saving medical and contact Network of Villages, City of Columbus Division
County sought to increase equity in recovery information. Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin of Fire, Senior Services Roundtable, Whitehall
1,500 residents in zip codes where older adults County and partners distributed 10,000 Files of Senior Center, Upper Arlington CARES and
“
and resiliency during the pandemic. Age-Friendly
were most likely to be adversely impacted Life across all Franklin County zip codes. Commission on Aging, Service Coordinators.
Columbus and Franklin County partnered with
received emergency preparedness kits
service coordinators in older adult affordable
housing buildings and the American Red Cross of
Greater Columbus Chapter to order, coordinate
and deliver emergency preparedness kits.
Necessity Bags “This is about the nicest gift you could give an “BEING PREPARED HELPS INDIVIDUALS
Thanks to longstanding relationships with a local
settlement house, the Clintonville-Beechwold
older person. A lot of love went into this. Thank
you very much.” AND COMMUNITIES BE MORE RESILIENT
Community Resources Center (CRC), a network of
local village programs and a cadre of volunteers,
—NECESSITY BAG RECIPIENT
— OR BOUNCE BACK — AFTER A
Age-Friendly Columbus and Franklin County
collaborated on the delivery of “necessity bags.”
“Thank you so much for these care packages.
They have been truly, truly a blessing. We DISASTER. OLDER ADULTS TEND TO
Bags contained three to five days of shelf-stable
food, necessities such as toilet paper and soap, a
needed everything in them, especially the
COVID things.” DISPROPORTIONATELY EXPERIENCE
note of encouragement and more to older adults
during the height of the pandemic. Between
—NECESSITY BAG RECIPIENT
GREATER ADVERSE OUTCOMES DURING
March 18 and July 31, 2020, CRC staff and
volunteers delivered food and supplies to older
“By delivering that bag right to someone’s
doorstep, we are saying, ‘We are here, we DISASTERS AND EMERGENCIES.”
adults in every zip code in the county. Ongoing, acknowledge you as a person, and we care
long-term support is in place for those who – CORY PAUL, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, AMERICAN RED CROSS GREATER COLUMBUS
about you and your well-being.’”
continue to face food insecurity. —CRC STAFF MEMBER
26 AGEFRIENDLYCOLUMBUS.ORG FIVE-YEAR PROGRESS REPORT 27“ WE DO A LOT OF THINGS IN SOCIETY
THAT SEPARATE PEOPLE BY GENERATION.
WITH THE AGE-FRIENDLY INNOVATION
CENTER, WE’RE STARTING TO CHANGE
THAT. THE EXPLORATION OF AGING IS AN
OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE OUR COMMUNITY
WHAT WE ALL WANT IT TO BE.”
–TOM GREGOIRE, PHD
DEAN, THE OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF SOCIAL WORK
As the Age-Friendly Innovation Center, we’ll be Visit agefriendlycolumbus.org to learn how you
better positioned to: can get involved.
Building on five years of work, we are • Increase community-based engagement A UNIQUE APPROACH TO RESEARCH
and impact community partners — from As Ohio State College of Social Work Dean Tom
excited to announce the Age-Friendly small businesses to nonprofit human service
agencies — to help us advance this work
Gregoire says, “When we say something works,
it’s not because we think it does; it’s because
Innovation Center • Recruit bright, curious, energetic students and
we know it does.” That’s the difference research
makes to an initiative like ours.
faculty to work side-by-side with older adults
This new center is the first university-based center to create change in communities in Ohio and The Age-Friendly Innovation Center engages in
in the nation to embrace the full spectrum of needs, across the United States community-based, participatory research that
opportunities and complex issues related to age- taps the knowledge and experience of older
friendly communities — bringing to bear the resources, • Teach and empower the next generation of adults as we find new ways to improve the
age-friendly researchers and leaders social, built and service environments around
partnerships and brainpower of a top-tier research us. Since 2017, the Age-Friendly team has been
university with the expertise of older residents to transform • Innovate with unprecedented resources, talent awarded over $2 million to engage in research,
our communities and make them more livable for all. and partnerships teaching and community engagement activities.
This research translates to real-world advances
WHY A CENTER? • Secure grants and other competitive funding that impact quality of life for all ages. The center
Becoming a “center” formalizes our existing academic, agency and industry opportunities has the capacity to study, build evidence-based
partnerships and enhances the integration of age-friendly work into the knowledge and then disseminate what we
college. But what does it mean for our community? Together, all of this means a more successful learn — ensuring the age-friendly strategies we
initiative — and more progress in our mission to discover advance interdisciplinary knowledge
make our communities age-friendly! and drive positive change in our communities.
28 AGEFRIENDLYCOLUMBUS.ORG FIVE-YEAR PROGRESS REPORT 29RESEARCH, PUBLICATIONS AND TOOLKITS
Since moving to the College of Social Work in Ravi, K.*, Fields, N.L. & Dabelko-Schoeny, H. Highlights of conference presentations AFC Program and Affiliated Honors and Awards
2018, the Age-Friendly team has been awarded (2021). Outdoor Spaces, Transportation, and • Federation on Ageing Global Conference on • 2021 The Ohio State University Community
over $2 million to engage in research, education, Environmental Justice: A Qualitative Interpretive Ageing, 2018 Engaged Scholars Award
and community engagement. Meta-Synthesis of Two Age-Friendly Domains. • Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting, • 2020 The Ohio State University Community
Journal of Transport and Health. 2020 Engaged Program Award
Publications • Gerontological Society of America, 2018, 2019, • 2019 Council on Social Work Education,
Dabelko-Schoeny, H. & Moss-Pech, S.A.* (2021). Dabelko-Schoeny, H., Fields, N.L., White, K., 2020, 2021 Commission for Diversity and Social and
The demographics of care management. Sheldon, M. Ravi*, K., Robinson, S.*, Murphy, • Women in Transportation, 2018 Economic Justice National Community
Generations. I. E. & Jennings, C. (2020). Using community- • AARP Livable Communities National Gathering, Partnership Action Award
based participatory research strategies in 2018, 2019, 2021 • 2018 Employment for Seniors Charles B.
Krok-Schoen, J., Xu, M., White, K., Clutter, J., & age-friendly communities to solve mobility • Ohio Parks and Recreation Association, 2019 Jenkins Legacy Award, which honors those who
Dabelko-Schoeny, H. (2021) White and black challenges. Journal of Gerontological Social • Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle advocate for and serve seniors in Central Ohio
differences in access to health services Work. Professionals, 2019
and self-rated health among older adults • Older Lesbians Organizing for Change National Toolkits and Resources
in an age-friendly city. Journal of Applied Cao, Q.*, Dabelko-Schoeny, H., White, K & Choi, Conference, 2019 In addition to academic publications and
Gerontology. M.S. (2020). Age-friendly communities and • American Planning Association, Ohio Chapter, presentations, Age-Friendly creates toolkits
perceived disconnectedness: The role of 2019 and resources to support easily replication of
Dabelko-Schoeny, H. & White, K. (2021). What it built environment and social engagement. • Primary Care Veterinary Educators Symposium, strategies and programs.
takes to be and remain an age-friendly world. Journal of Aging and Health. 2019
Generations Today. • Society for Social Work Research, 2018, 2021 • Age-Friendly Business Review Checklist
Choi, M.S.*, Dabelko-Schoeny, H., & White, K. • EAGALA Conference, 2018 • The Positive Aging Campaign, including
Dabelko-Schoeny, H., Maleku, A., Cao, Q.*, White, (2020). Access to employment, volunteer “Button up ageism,” photoshoots, and billboard
K. & Ozbilen, B.* (2021). “We want to go, but activities, and community events and Student disciplines: campaigns
there are no options”: Exploring barriers and perceptions of age-friendliness: The role of • City and Regional Planning • Safe Routes to Age in Place toolkit
facilitators of transportation among diverse social connectedness. Journal of Applied • Design • Bringing generations together to find innovative
older adults. Journal of Transport and Gerontology. • Engineering solutions
Health. • Environmental Science
Lee, K.*, Dabelko-Schoeny, H., Jedlicka, H. & • Human Development and Family Sciences
Cao, Q.*, Dabelko-Schoeny, H., White, K., Maleku, Burns, T. (2019). Older adults’ perceived • Business
A. & Sheldon, M. (2021). “I wanna help, but benefits of equine-assisted psychotherapy: • Public Health
my hands can be a little tied”: The challenges Implications for social work. Research on • Nursing
and benefits of formal volunteering among Social Work Practice. • Optometry
low-income diverse older adults. Journal of • Occupational Therapy
Gerontological Social Work. • PreMed
• Psychology
• Public Policy
• Social Work
*Indicates student work. • Veterinary Medicine
30 AGEFRIENDLYCOLUMBUS.ORG FIVE-YEAR PROGRESS REPORT 31Learn more at agefriendlycolumbus.org
Find us on social media @AgeFriendlyOH
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