YORK, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro this week announced a significant achievement for Pennsylvania today, as the state has officially been recognized as an Age-Friendly State by AARP. The designation, a milestone for the Shapiro Administration, underscores Pennsylvania’s commitment to creating communities where older residents can age with dignity, independence, and robust support. The announcement took place at the White Rose Senior Center in York, where Governor Shapiro was joined by Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich, AARP leaders, and local officials.
“My Administration is fighting for Pennsylvanians every day, and that includes investing in and building a Commonwealth that cares for and supports older adults,” said Governor Shapiro. “Our seniors have earned the right to age with dignity and respect, and under my Administration, we created a 10-year master plan that brings together 29 state agencies to deliver real results for our seniors.”
The Age-Friendly State designation, awarded in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), places Pennsylvania among just 13 states nationwide achieving this recognition, with Pennsylvania as the sole honoree this year.
A Commitment to Pennsylvania’s Aging Population
Pennsylvania’s older adult population is projected to surge, reaching 3.8 million by 2030. This rapid growth will make those over age 60 the largest demographic in the state, accounting for one in every three residents. At the announcement, Secretary Kavulich emphasized the opportunity this demographic shift presents.
“Pennsylvania’s aging population provides us with an opportunity – not a challenge – to build better communities for all generations,” he noted.
Key to this designation is Pennsylvania’s “Aging Our Way, PA” initiative, a comprehensive 10-year strategic plan that coordinates efforts across 29 state agencies to benefit seniors. The plan incorporates wide-ranging solutions, from increasing access to public transportation and in-home care to lowering prescription costs and supporting unpaid caregivers.
Since launching last year, critical advancements under the initiative have included the establishment of Pennsylvania’s first Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Office and the introduction of a new Caregiver Support Toolkit, PA CareKit. The Shapiro Administration also implemented additional measures to ensure transparency in aging services, such as creating a public dashboard to track the performance of Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) in real time.
Supporting Senior Services in York and Beyond
Pennsylvania’s designation extends a legacy of localized efforts to support its seniors. York County, which became an Age-Friendly Community in 2020, exemplifies these solutions by offering tailored support to older adults at the White Rose Senior Center. Governor Shapiro shared how this community model has scaled statewide, stating, “That work is getting noticed, and I’m proud that AARP has recognized Pennsylvania as one of just 13 Age-Friendly States in the country.”
The White Rose Senior Center offers daily services to over 1,200 local seniors, supported by funding including $20,000 in grants under Governor Shapiro’s leadership. Services range from wellness programs and nutrition support to financial counseling for property tax and rent rebate applications, a centerpiece of the Administration’s work to aid economic stability for older adults.
Delivering for Older Pennsylvanians
During his first year in office, Governor Shapiro expanded eligibility and benefits under the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) Program, delivering $318 million in rebates that benefited over half a million residents, including nearly 100,000 first-time claimants. The expanded program tied income limits to cost-of-living adjustments and increased payments for eligible seniors, reflecting a significant tax cut for older Pennsylvanians.
Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP Pennsylvania State Director, highlighted the urgent need for proactive measures to serve the aging population. “The cost of being unprepared for this reality is unaffordable and untenable. AARP applauds the Shapiro Administration for creating Aging Our Way, PA and enrolling the Commonwealth in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.”
Building an Age-Friendly Future
Looking ahead, Pennsylvania will continue advancing its age-friendly agenda with initiatives addressing healthcare, housing, and community engagement. Local stakeholders, such as Cathy Bollinger of the York County Community Foundation, emphasized the importance of tailoring solutions for all generations. “When we collaborate and plan this way, we create the potential to transform the quality of life for all residents – no matter their age,” she said.
Thanks to its recognition as an Age-Friendly State, Pennsylvania is poised to lead the nation in building communities that support aging with respect and inclusivity. Governor Shapiro’s leadership signals a continued commitment to ensuring Pennsylvania’s seniors thrive in all aspects of life.
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