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Data from Recent Countywide Study to Guide Future Planning
Age-Friendly Montgomery has released the findings of a comprehensive community needs assessment conducted earlier this year. Led by consulting firm Ascendient, Inc., the assessment includes data and insights gathered through a countywide survey, listening sessions, and focus groups to help guide future planning. The findings are available on the County’s website.
“As Montgomery County continues to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for people of all ages and abilities, we need to make sure the County adapts to meet the needs of residents through all stages of their lives,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “Understanding their experiences here and now is vital to that work.”
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Approximately 24% of Montgomery County residents were ages 60 or older in 2025, and that population is projected to grow nearly four times as fast as the under-60 population through 2045. The population of residents ages 80 and older is projected to grow at an even faster rate. The cross-sector, multi-department Age-Friendly Montgomery program conducted the needs assessment between late 2025 and early 2026 to ensure County government and community partners are prepared for these demographic changes.
The assessment identified five priorities for policy and planning:
- Social connection.
- Prevention of abuse and financial exploitation.
- Access to information.
- Health services navigation.
- Affordable, accessible housing.
Populations identified as needing additional support include residents who live alone, residents without nearby adult children, Upcounty and rural residents, non-English speakers, Black and African American residents, LGBTQ+ residents, low-income residents, and residents with dementia and their caregivers.
Montgomery County joined the World Health Organization and AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in December 2015. Today, the network includes more than 1,000 communities nationwide. To learn more about the Montgomery County Age-Friendly initiatives, visit Age-Friendly Montgomery.
Led by the directors of the Department of Health and Human Services and Montgomery County Recreation, the Age-Friendly Montgomery initiative focuses on key areas of community life, including civic and social involvement; communication and outreach; elder abuse prevention; employment; health and wellness; home and community-based services; housing; planning; outdoor spaces; buildings; senior public safety; and transportation and mobility.
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Residents interested in getting involved can contact Age-Friendly Program Manager Shawn Brennan at shawn.brennan@montgomerycountymd.gov or 240-777-1350.
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Read the original article at mcdhhs
