skip to main content

June 2026

It’s Pennsylvania’s Age-Friendly Anniversary!

On May 29, 2025, Governor Josh Shapiro officially designated the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as the 13th state to join the WHO/AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.

What a year it’s been! We have been proud to serve as the lead on Age-Friendly PA Learning Collaborative, bringing together longtime and emerging communities from across the Commonwealth. So far, we have had nearly 300 participants from 45 of the 67 counties across the state. We’re also thrilled about the launch of the READY Communities Funding Collaborative, a huge win for Age-Friendly PA and Dementia Friendly PA and a first-of-its-kind public-private partnership model. 

Grants of $10,000, $25,000 or $50,000 are available to support innovative projects that align with Pennsylvania’s multisector plan on aging, Aging Our Way, PA.

The application is now open and will close on June 12, 2026.

Apply Now

Share Your Feedback in Our “Picture This” Survey

As part of our Year of Listening to inform our priorities, please take our quick survey and tell us what makes your community a good place for all ages. Enter to win a Block Party Boxloaded with everything you need for a neighborhood gathering — $100 Giant Eagle gift card, games, supplies, Age-Friendly swag, and fun conversation prompts to get the party started. You’ll even get a disposable camera (we’ll process the film!) to snap and share your memories.

Take the Survey

Age-Friendly Hosts Listening Session at Vintage

Thanks to everyone who came out to Vintage Center for Active Adults for another Age-Friendly Listening Session! This year, we’re gathering input for our next Action Plan. On May 27, 21 participants shared their experiences of growing older in their communities from East Liberty to North Braddock, and all the way to Monroeville.

See the Photos

Community Panel Visits Healthy Home Lab

What does age-friendly innovation look like? Designing with people, not just for them! Our Community Panel stopped by Pitt’s Healthy Home Lab to test out high- and low-tech solutions for independence and comfort as we age — like smart rings that control lighting, adaptive bathroom fixtures and caregiver support apps. Sharing feedback helps researchers better understand the needs and priorities of older adults.

Learn More

“Picture This” Exhibition Now at Braddock Library June 10 Through July 1

Our “Picture This” Exhibition is traveling to its next spot! Stop by to explore photos and audio stories highlighting the power of intergenerational connection in our communities. Our Age-Friendly team will be officially kicking off the popup during the Braddock Art Crawl  on Friday, June 12 from 5-10pm.

Learn More
An older and younger white woman look at photographs on a brightly colored gallery wall, smiling

Congratulations to SWPPA Award Winners

Our founder Southwestern Pennsylvania Partnership for Aging (SWPPA) recently recognized outstanding individuals whose work is helping older adults and communities thrive throughout our region. Join us in celebrating this year’s honorees and the impact they make.

Allegheny County Health Department Asking For Feedback on Vaccinations

About one-third of schools in Allegheny County have vaccination rates below the 95% target threshold. PublicSource research shows students attending religious-affiliated private schools and students in the youngest grade levels aren’t getting vaccinated at rates that would provide herd immunity. Do you have an opinion about health vaccinations for yourself or your family? Complete their short survey to share feedback.

Take the Survey

NextPittsburgh Feature: Age-Friendly Champions Share Incredible Journey

“At one point, we even promised each other: If one of us passed before the end, the other would carry it through.” — Joseph Brosky, host of “Cupa Joe,” a spinoff of Age-Friendly’s CoffeeConnect on the JCC’s Virtual Senior Academy

Joseph and Donna Brosky trekked 124 state parks and 20 state forests in Pennsylvania (and counting!) in 5 years. They share their trip, tips and close encounters with the Pittsburgh community in their how-to guide and blog.

Read the Article

TribLive Highlights New Trackchairs at Pittsburgh Parks (with our Executive Director!)

“When we’re designing out communities, we have to be sure that everyone can participate because it’s better that way. We want everybody to be able to access their local parks.” — Laura Poskin, Executive Director at Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy’s Trackchair Program opened to the public on May 1. People can sign up online to reserve an all-terrain wheelchair free of charge.

Read the Article