Executive Summary
The 2022-27 Master Aging Plan (MAP) marks the fifth cycle of strategic planning for the Orange County Department on Aging (OCDOA). However, this is the second MAP based on the AARP Framework for an Age-Friendly Community (AFC). The AFC framework contains 8 domains of livability that influence the quality of life for older adults: outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community and health services.
This plan builds off of the 20 year history of formal age-friendly planning in Orange County. We are proud to be a model for comprehensive and successful aging planning both in NC and the nation. We are especially proud to be one of the 12 Age-Friendly Communities leading the way in NC, as our state has joined with 9 other states and one territory to be designated as a Livable and Age-Friendly State.
For the first time in its development process, the Orange County Master Aging Plan is including racial equity as a cross-cutting theme for each of the 8 domains in the 2022-2027 plan. In partnership with the other county initiatives, such as One Orange and the Government Alliance for Race & Equity, the focus on racial equity provides an intentionality and builds off of important discussions both locally and nationally to identify and explore how race impacts the experience of aging. This is a critical part of a larger effort to ensure the Master Aging Plan is inclusive of ALL older adults in Orange County. It is critical that EVERY older adult (regardless of race, ethnicity, income, location, language, sexual orientation, health status, etc.) see themselves reflected in some way in the MAP. We want to make sure this plan and this process is relevant to all older adults in Orange County. This is our community and our plan.