Licking County Aging Partners (LCAP) announces the public release of the Age-Friendly Licking County Community Assessment findings. This important initiative evaluated the quality of life for residents aged 60 and older in Licking County.

Developed in collaboration with The Center for Community Solutions in Cleveland and guided by the AARP Livable Communities Initiative, the survey was distributed to 4,000 residents in August 2024, and nearly 700 responded. The goal of the survey was to better understand the needs, experiences, and priorities of older adults in Licking County.

The Age-Friendly Licking County initiative, launched by LCAP with the support of local leaders, is committed to creating inclusive, supportive environments for all ages. The findings from this assessment will directly inform a three-year Age-Friendly action plan. This plan will establish clear goals and foster cross-sector collaborations to address key focus areas such as health systems and services, housing, transportation, communication and information access, and social support networks.

Key findings from the assessment revealed that while many older adults report satisfaction with living in our county, as many as one in five are living in poverty or are at considerable risk of falling into poverty. Additionally, 25% of older adults live alone, placing them at greater risk for isolation and physical or cognitive decline. Many also face challenges accessing the information they need to obtain services that support their independence.

Kimberly Hosler, LCAP’s Age-Friendly Coordinator, noted about the findings, “While the survey highlighted significant challenges residents face, it also revealed opportunities to implement meaningful advancements that will make Licking County an even better place for everyone to live.” The action plan will serve as a strategic framework for ongoing improvements and will guide community development and planning well into the future for older adults. The full assessment data is now available to the public at lcap.org/age-friendly.

Community members and organizations are encouraged to explore the data and participate in building a more age-friendly Licking County. Those interested in learning more or contributing to the initiative can contact Age-Friendly Coordinator Kimberly Hosler at khosler@lcap.org or call 740-345-0821 ext. 1281. Together, we can build a community where everyone thrives.