Senior News & Views

Age-Friendly Omaha’s announced goal of qualifying for the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities requires a five-year commitment.

Meanwhile, the public will be invited to participate in a meeting in March 2026, said Diane Stanton, the deputy director of the Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging.

Her agency was among those at the by-invitation-only organizational meeting featuring Mayor John Ewing Feb. 6 at Immanuel Village.

Neither Nebraska nor Omaha is currently in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. Age-Friendly cities in Nebraska in order of selection are Grand Island and Lincoln.

AARP age-friendly criteria are based on the eight “Domains of Livability,” a framework designed to make communities, cities, and towns more livable for people of all ages, particularly older adults. Membership in the AARP Network requires a commitment to a five-year, multi-stage process involving assessment, action planning, and evaluation. 

The eight Domains of Livability. Communities in the network focus on improving these areas: 

1. Outdoor Spaces & Buildings—Safe, accessible public areas, green spaces, and seating.
2. Transportation—Safe, affordable, and accessible driving, public transit, and walking options.
3. Housing—Affordable, safe, and diverse housing options with features that allow seniors to age in place.
4. Social Participation—Accessible, affordable, and inclusive leisure, social, and cultural activities.
5. Respect & Social Inclusion—Programs to combat loneliness and ensure older adults are valued and included.
6. Civic Participation & Employment—Opportunities to volunteer or work, with inclusion in local decision-making.
7. Communication & Information—Access to information, particularly for those not tech-savvy, through multiple channels.
8. Community & Health Services—Access to home health services, clinics, and emergency services. 

Key Requirements for Designation. To join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, a municipality must fulfill these requirements: 

• Letter of Commitment: A formal commitment from the highest elected official to create an age-friendly community. In Omaha, this concurred with the mayor’s appearance at the kickoff conference.
• Involve Older Residents: Establish mechanisms to actively include older people in the planning process.
• Baseline Assessment: Conduct a survey or assessment of the community’s current age-friendliness.
  
  AI Overview. News media and research analyses have generally evaluated the AARP Age-Friendly Network positively, framing it as a positive, data-driven approach to adapting to a rapidly aging population.