In 2015, the Osteopathic Heritage Foundation (OHF) launched a Healthy Aging Initiative, which includes support for Columbus’ pursuit of the prestigious designation of an Age-Friendly City. Developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Age-Friendly City initiative helps cities and communities promote healthy and active aging for their older residents.
OHF’s approval of $250,000 will provide support for an assessment of the city’s age-friendliness and the development a community strategy and action plan. Other funders of the assessment phase include AARP Ohio, the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, The Columbus Foundation, the Franklin County Office on Aging and National Church Residences. The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) will lead the assessment and plan development.
Columbus Mayor Andrew J. Ginther is commended for the city’s commitment to the Age-Friendly Columbus initiative and recognizing the importance of a healthy, vibrant senior population to the city. View the March 23, 2016 public launch of Age-Friendly Columbus.