Creating a Great Place to Live and Age Well

The Chemung County Commitment: “Age-Friendly Chemung County is committed to making our community an attractive place to live and age well. We envision a community that encourages active and healthy living and provides a more accessible, affordable and socially engaging place for people of all ages”.  The county’s 88,000 residents — 16 percent of whom are over age 65 — live in more than 20 towns, cities, villages and hamlets.

Chemung County joined the World Health Organization’s Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities in 2014, in partnership with AARP.  In addition to the county, the City of Elmira (which is the county seat) and the towns of Elmira and Big Flats have also joined the AARP and Global Networks. For more information please browse their individual profile pages.

County leaders have developed a series of community action plans that will be implemented over a three-year period beginning in 2015. Input into the plans came from a range of local agencies, including historic and preservation societies, bicycle and transportation groups, health organizations, park and recreation supporters, faith groups and AARP.

“Developing our age- friendliness provides an opportunity to enhance the well-being of all residents, increases the ability of older adults to contribute to the community while reducing costly healthcare needs, and provides a marketing tool to attract and retain business and people of all ages.”