Located just north of the Pennsylvania border and an hour south of the Finger Lakes in upstate New York, the Town of Elmira was founded in 1792 and surrounds the City of Elmira on three sides. A community of about 3,000 households, Elmira’s population in 2010 was 6,934 people, of whom 31 percent were between the ages of 45 and 64 with another 20 percent were age 65 or older.

With nearly half of its residents of the age 45 and older, in November 2013, the Town of Elmira decided to join Chemung County, of which Elmira is part, and become a member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities and the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities.

“We recognize the importance of encouraging and promoting age-friendly planning and policies to address changing demographics and to enhance independent living,” said David Sullivan, supervisor, Town of Elmira.

Elmira leaders are working with those from Chemung County, the city of Elmira and the town of Big Flats to develop 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 local agencies,including historical and preservation societies, bicycle and transportation groups, health organizations, park and recreation supporters, faith groups and AARP.

Each plan specifies steps to achieve success in the World Health Organization’s 8 domains of an age-friendly city. The plans also address the need for affordable housing and a greater variety in housing options including independent- and assisted living-communities and multi-generational, mixed-use neighbourhoods where people can walk, bike, live, shop, work, learn, worship and play.

To learn more about the Town of Elmira and Chemung County visit: townofelmira.com and chemungcounty.com