Cambridge City Council approves Older Adult Strategy

Cambridge City Council has approved the City’s 2026–2031 Older Adult Strategy, a comprehensive, evidence-based roadmap to support Cambridge’s growing population of residents aged 50 and older. 

The Strategy was informed by community engagement and aligns with the City’s Strategic Plan – Cambridge Connected and the World Health Organization Age-Friendly Cities Framework. It includes 57 recommendations designed to help more older adults age in the right place, strengthen volunteerism, improve access to programs and services, and ensure municipal spaces, communications and decision-making better reflect the needs of adults aged 50 and older. 

“Cambridge is a growing and changing community, and this Strategy gives us a clear path to support residents as they age,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “By planning now, we can continue building a city where people of all ages can feel connected, respected and able to participate fully in community life.” 

Community feedback pointed to four priority areas for action: Community and Health Services, Housing, Communication and Information, and Respect and Social Inclusion. The Strategy responds through recommendations that support accessible programs and services, age-friendly housing considerations, clearer and more inclusive communications, and welcoming spaces where older adults feel valued, connected and included. 

“The Older Adult Strategy will guide how we develop programs, services, partnerships and spaces that support healthy aging in the city,” said City Manager Rob Axiak. “It also reinforces that age-friendly planning is organization-wide work, with departments considering older adults in both short- and long-term decisions.” 

Through short-, medium- and long-term actions, the Strategy will support older adults by expanding programming, improving communication, enhancing volunteer engagement, supporting accessibility and inclusion, and strengthening partnerships with community organizations. Now that the strategy has been approved, Staff will proceed with phased implementation plan and bring forward resource requirements for Council consideration through future operating and capital budget processes. 

This work responds directly to projections indicating Cambridge’s older adult population is expected to nearly double by 2051, underscoring the need to plan for accessible, inclusive and connected programs and services today.

- 30 -