Age-Friendly Marin
We are a local network of community groups in Marin that support the development of age-friendly communities as designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the AARP. We promote healthy living and opportunities to be involved in one’s community. Approximately 27 percent of Marin County’s population is age 60 or older, and by 2030 projections indicate at least one in three Marin residents will be 60 or older. The County’s age-friendly movement began in many cities in 2014. Sausalito was the first to join. Since then nine of the 11 incorporated cities have joined the network.
Age-Friendly County of Marin
The County joined the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities in 2018. In January 2020, the County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the “Age Forward” plan that puts forth a framework to make Marin more age-friendly. To view plan: marinhhs.org/publications-
The plan emphasizes equity, includes opportunities for people of all ages and applies the “lens of aging” to the county departments’ daily and long-range work. The framework includes six focus areas identified by Marin residents in a community assessment process. These areas are housing, mobility options, community services, disaster preparedness, social connection and services in unincorporated areas. The plan connects to the Health and Human Services Strategic Plan to Achieve Health and Wellness Equity, and to the Area Agency on Aging’s four year Area plan. Find County Area Agency on Aging Resources here.
Age-Friendly Belvedere
With support from the city council, the task force is developing the strategic plan and developing programs for seniors in the community. Join the monthly meetings and give your input. Questions or interest in joining contact Diana Bradley at dianabradleyartist@gmail.com.
Age-Friendly Corte Madera
Dedicated to creating physical and social environments that support and enhance healthy and active aging, and an optimal quality of life for our older residents. For more information, contact Pati Stoliar at agefriendlycortemadera@gmail.com.
Age-Friendly Fairfax
Building a healthy and livable community for all, because when it comes to aging everybody’s doing it! Free recreation classes, a monthly breakfast, luncheon and a forum series are offered. Sign up for the monthly events newsletter. For information, visit Age-Friendly Fairfax, or call (415) 458-2340.
Age-Friendly Larkspur
Residents who would like to work with a small and committed group to help Larkspur in the process of joining the global network of Age-Friendly communities should contact Larry Meredith at larrywmeredith@gmail.com or call (415) 860-2535.
Age-Friendly Mill Valley
Annually hosting an Age-Friendly Fair, the Mill Valley recreation department has switched to virtual adult programming. Find programs here: Virtual Adult.
Age-Friendly Novato
Focused on ensuring that Novato residents experience inclusion, connection, and participation by engaging in a multi-generational and diverse community, Novato Age-Friendly aims to connect older adults to our thriving city network. The age-friendly initiative helps to ensure that Novato continues to be a great place to grow up and grow older. The Novato Age-Friendly Task Force worked with city planners to include provisions that promote age-friendly concepts in Novato’s General Plan 2035. For more information, please contact Info@NovatoAgeFriendly.org.
Age-Friendly Ross
Having joined the global network in 2018 and completed the strategic planning process, the Ross Age Friendly Taskforce has held many social gatherings and educational events to build community and connections. The Taskforce also works actively with other Ross community organizations and schools to build and enhance multi-intergenerational activities and events that help to build a livable community. For more information or to be part of Age Friendly Ross, contact Teri Dowling at mtdowling55@gmail.com.
Age-Friendly San Anselmo
The Town of San Anselmo Age Friendly committee is partnering with the Marin Aging and Disability Institute to begin a project funded by a Local Aging and Disability Action Planning Grant from the California Department of Aging. The project will begin in July with the formation of an Advisory committee of thought leaders in the areas of aging and disability. While San Anselmo was preparing a plan for becoming Age-Friendly, now the intent is to develop an assessment for determining how best to address the needs of older adults and people with disabilities. The project will include community education and active inclusive community engagement through working groups that will develop an Age and Disability Friendly Plan for the town. For more information contact Sara at saraagefriendlysa@gmail.com.
Age-Friendly San Rafael
After an extensive community needs assessment, the Age-Friendly San Rafael Leadership Team is in the process of completing our Action Plan. We are delighted that the City of San Rafael will include our Action Plan in the San Rafael 2040 General Plan that will be released this fall. For more information, visit www.cityofsanrafael.org/department/age-friendly or contact co-chairs Sparkie Spaeth at oksparkie@aol.com or Diana Lopez at dlopez1052@gmail.com.
Age-Friendly Sausalito
Age-Friendly Sausalito envisions a community that works in collaboration across all sectors to serve and graciously provide for residents across the entire life course. Public/private partnerships, community centered service clubs, and generous-hearted volunteers work together to create and support policies, programs and features that are inclusive of all, with particular focus on building an environment in which the most vulnerable and most venerable elders can participate fully in the day to day life of the community as they age. The World Health Organization recognized Age-Friendly Sausalito with an Innovation@Home Award, one of only three given worldwide for a program that waives building fees for older adults to make their homes safer and more accessible. The free, on-demand, volunteer-driven rides program, Call-A-Ride-Sausalito-Seniors (CARSS) is a great success and has been noted as a model to replicate in several national publications. The spirit of collaboration and creativity inspires the community to continually enhance the Livability and Age Friendliness of beautiful Sausalito. To join us or learn more, email agefriendlysausalito@gmail.com or call Sybil Boutilier (415) 331-1393. Watch for our new website: www.agefriendlysausalito.org.
Age-Friendly Tiburon
Working with the Town Council and staff to apply for official designation. The group is hoping to talk to residents interested in helping make our town age friendly. For more information, contact Sue Kwentus at ksuekwentus@gmail.com.
