East Palo Alto
Achieved AARP/World Health Organization (WHO) age-friendly community designation on June 20, 2023.
The City of East Palo Alto is one of California’s youngest cities having incorporated in 1983. It is densely populated within 2.5 square miles and after incorporation, the City and residents made it a priority to establish an independent Senior Center and later, an Advisory Committee focused on matters for Seniors, giving a voice to our elder population in areas that include social, economic, recreational, cultural, and personal well-being. We value our elders and the richness of diversity that exists here. Currently, approximately 18% of our population is 60 or over. We are proud of being a livable community for residents of all ages and are committed to Age-Friendly Community goals to ensure that older adults in our community receive respect, dignity, and involvement in all aspects of our City’s future.
Domain: Transportation
Subcategory: Socially Isolated Adults
Offering increased opportunities to socialize
We will address the need of our older adult residents to have increased opportunities for interaction and socializing by offering both formal and informal activities. Some will be offered through the City and the Senior Center; many will have intergenerational components. There will be classes with an interpreter for Spanish or Mandarin-speaking participants as appropriate. A wide variety of social and cultural events, field trips and activities have been planned. Recently held events have included city-funded transportation. A long-term project in the works is the new Magical Bridge, an innovative and inclusive playground for all ages and abilities covering 7 acres.
A pillar of the Surgeon General’s Advisory National Strategy to Advance Social Connection is to increase the connections we have in our lives as this plays a critical role in societal health. The social connections and strengthening of relationships resulting from these field trips and events align with this strategy. These will include intergenerational opportunities to enjoy varied experiences together creating an even stronger community.
Domain: Communication and Information
The City of East Palo Alto and the Senior Center are collaborating toward improving outreach and support of our older adult residents. With the abundant diversity in our community, it will be vital to provide information in predominant languages spoken here including Spanish, Chinese, and Tongan. Information and resources will impact all domains of livability.
The Senior Center is creating a Senior Hub. This will serve as an information and resource hub that encourages expanded interaction by older adults whether they are visiting the center to participate in social activities, to enjoy a nutritious lunch, or to browse the information on upcoming events and educational sessions. There will be a computer lab that facilitates ongoing opportunities for older adults to become comfortable with using technology over time and at their leisure. A volunteer staff person will be available to provide technical assistance on specific days and times.
Our expanded outreach to older adults will include several categories of information that have not been disseminated in the past including launching a campaign to increase awareness about emergency preparedness; affordable housing information and education; health-related presentations focused on older persons offered by medical facilities and health service centers.
