Executive Directive No. 17 – Age-Friendly City Initiative: Purposeful Aging LA

Today, more than half a million people age 60 years old and older live in the City of Los
Angeles. Over the next 20 years, this number is expected to increase by nearly
50 percent-the most rapid increase in history. The challenges of having an aging
population are being experienced globally, which is why the World Health Organization
has called upon cities worldwide to evaluate their age-friendliness and to implement
changes to address our aging population’s needs.

I am strongly committed to honoring our older adult population and to making our City a
better designed and more livable community that benefits residents of all ages: I
previously signed the Best Cities for Successful Aging Mayor’s Pledge, and I directed
that Los Angeles join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities and the WHO
Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities.

Now and going forward, Purposeful Aging LA, my age-friendly city initiative, will provide
the framework for leading an innovative, multi-year effort in the City of Los Angeles to
improve the lives of today’s older adults and to create a better tomorrow for future
generations.

An age-friendly city encourages active aging by optimizing opportunities for health,
participation, and security in order to enhance quality of life as people age. In practical
terms, an age-friendly city adapts its structures and services to be accessible to and
inclusive of older people with varying needs and capacities. And in all these things, an
age-friendly city carefully engages older residents for their unique perspectives, ideas,
and counsel.