February 2017 Newsletter

On February 1st, the Age-Friendly Columbus Findings Report was officially released. The audience of nearly 100 attendees heard remarks from Mayor Andrew J. Ginther, Columbus City Councilmember Michael Stinziano, MORPC Executive Director William Murdock, State Director of AARP Ohio Barbara Sykes, and Senior Advocate Fran Ryan.

The Age-Friendly Columbus Findings Report illustrates a variety of strengths and concerns:

• Columbus has many options for long-term services and supports  
• Older residents want to be engaged as partners for making Age-Friendly improvements  
• Older residents are concerned about the fast-paced growth of the city and the potential negative effects it could have on affordable and accessible housing  
• There is a perception of ageism and negative stereotypes of older adults in the community

Watch the press conference here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMYec7b8B0M

Columbus is Age-Friendly, but Older Residents Have Concerns – 90.5 WCBE

Older residents in Columbus generally satisfied, but concerned about ageism, neighborhoods – Dispatch

Age-Friendly Survey: Elderly like city but say bus stops difficult to reach – This Week Community News

On March 29th we will hold our first meeting for the strategic planning process with our consultant, planning Next. The event will bring together our Advisory Council, 50+ Resident Council and all Domain Subcommittees to begin our work. Stay tuned for updates as the Age-Friendly Columbus Strategic Plan unfolds.

MORPC urges Franklin County residents to take full advantage of free income-eligible residential energy programs that will keep their homes warmer in the winter, reduce energy consumption, and save them money.

MORPC’s experienced energy efficiency professionals perform energy inspections and safety checks of homes year-round. The inspection may result in tune-up or replacement of the furnace or water heater, installation of attic or sidewall insulation, or replacement of refrigerators, freezers, and light bulbs with more efficient models.  

Call (614) 621-1171 to apply over the phone or visit www.morpc.org/energyservices for more information.