Columbus, Franklin County, and Ohio State University officials today celebrated the opening of the Age-Friendly Innovation Center. The center will blend university research with the expertise of older residents to make communities more livable.
"The call to create a resilient aging community has never been more important than now," OSU College of Social Work Dean Tom Gregoire said during the press conference celebrating the opening. "We're committed to a set of principles which are diversity, equity and inclusion, accessibility, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. This enhanced dedication to research, education, and inclusive community will shape the way everybody ages."
The new center is located at Rev1 Labs, 1275 Kinnear Road. Launched five years ago, Age-Friendly Columbus has engaged hundreds of older adults in surveys, focus groups, and walk audits on inclusive planning related to housing, transportation, safety, and other topics. Franklin County expects its population of adults aged 60 and over to double by the year 2050.