The city of Chandler has earned recognition as a dementia and age-friendly community, according to a news release.

Chandler was designated as a Dementia Friendly community in partnership with Dementia Friendly Arizona.

The designation recognizes the city’s efforts to be a safe and informed community that supports people living with memory challenges, while fostering education and access with local businesses, the release states.

Chandler was also accepted into the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.

This network empowers communities to create welcoming environments for older adults, looking broadly at housing, transportation, social participation, outdoor spaces, health services and civic inclusion, the release states.

“Approximately 19% of Chandler’s population is aged 60 and older,” Becky Kuiper, the city’s recreation superintendent, stated in the news release. “It is imperative that we, as a community, are prepared to support aging adults so they can age with dignity and remain a valued member of society.”

A community survey conducted in September revealed strong interest in addressing age-related challenges — including access to transportation, available community services and awareness of local resources.

To support this work, the city has established a task force made up of city staff, nonprofit partners and local business owners, the release states.

This group will guide the development of an action plan aimed at making Chandler even more accessible, supportive and responsive to the needs of older adults.

The forthcoming plan will focus on:

-Expanding community awareness and education around dementia and aging

-Supporting local organizations through dementia-friendly business training

-Evaluating and enhancing existing city services, programs and public spaces

-Strengthening connections between residents and resources that promote aging in place

Dementia Friendly America is a multi-sector, national collaborative on a mission to foster communities that are equipped to support people with dementia and their family and friend care partners by working to become “dementia friendly,” according to the release.

Established in 2012, the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities supports the work of local, regional and state governments as they prepare for the nation’s changing demographics, the release states.

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