The City of Hilliard and Norwich Township are proud to announce their official enrollment in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. This significant milestone reflects our community’s ongoing commitment to improving livability, inclusivity, and quality of life for residents of all ages.
Hilliard City Council and the Norwich Township Board of Trustees will issue a joint proclamation at 10:30 a.m. on May 6 at the Hilliard Social Center, located within The Well, 3993 Cosgray Road. The public is invited to attend.
With this step, Hilliard and Norwich Township become the 49th and 50th communities in Ohio to join the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities, reflecting growing statewide momentum to support residents of all ages.
Hilliard City Council President Cole praised the collaboration between the City and Norwich Township, highlighting not only this initiative but also their broader alignment on shared goals that benefit residents.
“By coming together around the Age-Friendly Community initiative, we are acknowledging a simple but powerful truth: our residents do not experience their lives within organizational boundaries. They travel our roads, use our parks, visit our businesses, attend our events, and rely on our services,” Cole said. “We are aligning priorities, sharing insights, and working toward common goals to shape our community for decades to come.”
“We are thrilled to be recognized as an Age-Friendly Community,” said Kelli Hykes, Chair of the Norwich Township Board of Trustees. “This designation affirms our shared vision of a community where residents of all ages can thrive, feel connected, and access the resources and opportunities they need to live well.”
This achievement follows extensive work by Hilliard City Council and Norwich Township Trustees, whose leadership helped guide the city through the application and review process.
Council has played a key role in shaping local housing policy and promoting thoughtful, inclusive development practices that support aging in place and intergenerational connections.
Notably, in 2022, the Council established the Aging in Place Committee, which advises the council on matters, programs, and services affecting older adults and their caregivers. The Committee’s focus is creating an age-friendly community where residents of every age can enjoy all that Hilliard has to offer and thrive throughout each stage of their lives.
One of the Committee’s most significant achievements is the creation of the Home in Hilliard program, which provides resources, services, and support for seniors who wish to age in place. The program offers a variety of services, including home modifications, transportation assistance, and social engagement opportunities designed to help older adults maintain their quality of life.
The AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities, launched in 2012, supports local and state leaders as they prepare for a rapidly aging population by strengthening the features that make communities more livable for people of all ages. More than 1,000 communities nationwide, including 50 across Ohio, are part of the network. The program encourages communities to proactively plan for the future by focusing on areas such as housing, transportation, outdoor spaces, and opportunities for civic and social engagement.
“Reaching 50 AARP Age Friendly Ohio communities is a clear signal that Ohio is embracing a smarter, more intentional approach to growth,” said Jenny Carlson, Director for AARP Ohio. “Communities like Hilliard and Norwich Township aren’t just planning for today—they’re aligning housing, health, and economic opportunity to support people at every stage of life and strengthen their long term vitality.”
As a member of the network, Hilliard and Norwich Township will gain access to guidance, best practices, planning models, and technical support from AARP and its partners.
Enrollment in the AARP Network marks a significant step forward in planning for the future, with intention, equity, and inclusivity at the forefront. As this work continues, residents can expect opportunities to get involved and help shape a community that supports people from childhood through retirement and beyond.
