New York Named First Age-Friendly State in the Nation (2017)

In 2017, New York became the first state in the United States to be recognized as an Age-Friendly State by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO).

This historic designation placed New York in both the WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities and the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States. The recognition reflects New York’s statewide commitment to creating communities that support healthy aging, improve quality of life, and foster engagement for residents of all ages.

The WHO’s Eight Domains of Livability

The Age-Friendly designation is grounded in the WHO’s Eight Domains of Livability, which address the key factors that make a community livable for people of all ages:

1. Outdoor spaces and buildings
2. Transportation
3. Housing
4. Social participation
5. Respect and social inclusion
6. Civic participation and employment
7. Communication and information
8. Community support and health services

New York’s policies and initiatives aim to strengthen these domains across urban, suburban, and rural communities alike. You can learn more about the state’s programs and priorities in Age-Friendly New York.

Why This Matters

The Age-Friendly State designation is more than a symbolic honor—it recognizes ongoing efforts to:

• Integrate livability principles into state and local planning
• Encourage cross-sector collaboration between government, nonprofits, and private organizations
• Promote equity and accessibility for residents across all life stages

By leading the nation, New York set a precedent for other states to join the movement toward more inclusive, livable communities.