The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) estimates the senior population of Royal Oak to grow by at least 34.8 percent by the year 2045. To prepare for the forecasted growth in the senior population, the Royal Oak Senior Services / Aging in Place Task Force has endorsed the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) “Age-Friendly Communities” program. 

This program utilizes extensive community engagement of the senior population to identify ways to improve city services and design to better accommodate aging residents. Input from residents has the potential to improve future master plan development, land use, and community services.

The 8 Domains of Livability

AARP International has studied efforts in the United States and worldwide to identify projects and programs that are worth sharing and, when possible, replicating. The Age-Friendly Report: Inspiring Communities presents a collection of age-friendly "good practices." 

Age-friendly communities recognize 8 domains of livability.

1. Outdoor Spaces and Buildings
2. Transportation
3. Housing
4. Social Participation
5. Respect and Inclusion
6. Civic Participation and Inclusion
7. Communication and Information
8. Community and Health Services

How can you get involved?

The Royal Oak Age-Friendly Action Plan will identify action items for the city to achieve in each of the domains of livability. The development of this plan will be guided by the input and feedback of residents. 

You can share your thoughts and priorities in the following ways:

• Participate in a community focus group – see the calendar on this page. 
• Volunteer to be a facilitator for the community focus groups. Training is required.
• Attend a task force meeting and speak up at public comment.

The Age-Friendly Community Initiative

The Age-Friendly Royal Oak Initiative has started gathering information about how to make Royal Oak more age-friendly. Now we need your help! We need your input before we can go any further. We want to hear from residents of all ages.

This survey focuses on aspects of our community that are important for the health and well-being of all residents. It also explores what might help residents age in place, or age in the community.

Please take a few minutes of your time to complete this survey. Your feedback will be completely confidential. The findings will help us learn about the strengths of Royal Oak and help us to identify opportunities for improvement as we build an age-friendly community. The survey results will be analyzed and from there we will work together to develop action steps to address our community needs.

Your opinion is important to us! We appreciate your help!

Click Here for the Survey