Cleveland is home to 69,000 residents over the age of 60. In 2010, the World Health Organization (WHO) established the Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities as “an international effort to help cities prepare for two global demographic trends: the rapid aging of populations and increasing urbanization.” 

Cleveland is one of 1,542 cities and communities that have been deemed age-friendly by the WHO. With that in mind, the City of Cleveland has made it a point to craft events that cater to the wants and needs of the senior community. Let’s take a look at some of the age-friendly programming available to seniors this summer in the city. Signal Cleveland will share more activities in the coming weeks.

Age-Friendly Cleveland Survey

The Center for Community Solutions  and the Cleveland Department of Aging  are encouraging residents 60 and over and adults aged 18 to 59 with a disability who live in Cleveland to fill out a survey to help shape the Age-Friendly Plan. This plan focuses on eight areas of city life that can play a major role in the health and quality of life of older adults and those who are living with disabilities.

  • Outdoor spaces and buildings
  • Transportation 
  • Housing
  • Social participation
  • Respect and social inclusion
  • Civic participation and employment 
  • Communication and information 
  • Community support and health services

By filling out this survey, Cleveland residents can give direct feedback about ways the city can help improve the eight identified areas listed. The survey will take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

To fill out the survey online, click here. 

If you need assistance filling out the survey or would like to request a paper copy, please call or e-mail Mara Layne, Department of Aging, at [email protected], or call 216-664-2480. 

2024 Senior Summer Walks

The Cleveland Department of Aging is sponsoring the 2024 Senior Summer Walks. These 10 walks are designed to hold a space for seniors to find community while promoting health and wellness. The walks will take place outside in locations throughout the city. Participants are encouraged to walk at their own pace.

All participants will receive a Senior Walk t-shirt and a resource bag. Those who attend five or more walks will be automatically entered in a raffle to win a mystery prize. To register for these walks, contact the Department of Aging at (216) 664-3225 or [email protected]

By registering, you will receive notifications if the walks are canceled due to inclement weather. Check out the full schedule of walks below:

Credit: City of Cleveland / Department of Aging

Screen Printing 101

The Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging will be offering a class on the basics of the art of screen printing on July 11 from 9:30 a.m.- 11 a.m. at the Fairfax Market (Meijer). This class will be taught by Julie Schabel of Wave Space Studio. Learn about how patterns are printed using the screen print technique. After that, participants will put what they have learned to the test by screen printing and designing their own tote bags. The cost of this class is $10. To register, click here.

Community Reporter (he/him)
I work to gain the trust of Cleveland residents through direct community engagement and storytelling. My goal is to amplify and celebrate the residents and stakeholders who contribute to the success of city neighborhoods. I’m hoping to erase the negative stigma that has been cast on some neighborhoods throughout the years.