For the first time ever, older people outnumber the young in the United States. By 2030, one in four Santa Clara County residents will be over 60. The fastest-growing segment of this population is the oldest of the old, those 85 or older. Our county must be ready for the impact of this demographic shift on the communities of Silicon Valley.
We are acting now to encourage and support the transition to age-friendly cities, qualifying Santa Clara County as part of the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. In practical terms, an age-friendly city adapts its structures and services to be accessible to and inclusive of older people with varying needs.
This does not mean providing services and civic enhancements exclusively to aging residents. WHO’s age-friendly communities have shown that when a city or county commits to becoming age-friendly, all ages benefit from improved transportation, more inclusive housing, better access to health care, etc.
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