In 2011, Des Moines became the third U.S. city (following Portland, OR, and New York City) to join the World Health Organization’s International Network of Age Friendly Cities program, a five-year initiative to for communities to earn the WHO designation, “Age Friendly Community.” The initiative is being led by the city of Des Moines in partnership with Des Moines University, Aging Resources of Central Iowa and AARP Iowa.
Next Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 7:30 to 9 a.m., Greater Des Moines residents are invited to join community and Age Friendly Committee leaders for “A Report to the Community” on progress toward the area’s earning this designation. They will share findings of a survey of area residents ages 50-plus on whether and how Iowa’s capital can be more age-friendly. The event will occur on the DMU campus in the Olsen Medical Education Center (MEC), 3200 Grand Ave.
Following a brief presentation will be a discussion about new opportunities for collaboration with planning initiated by neighborhood associations, the Capital Crossroads Plan, the Tomorrow Plan, DART 2035 Plan, Iowa’s Healthiest State Initiative and Blue Zones Initiative.
The event is free and open to interested citizens and will include a light continental breakfast, but advance reservations are required. To reserve your seat, visit the AARP Iowa State Office website, or call 515-697-1021 with questions or for more information.
