Fishers is the fifth largest city in the state, and as such, strives to offer a superb quality of life for residents of all ages. It is with great pride that City Council President Todd Zimmerman and AARP Indiana representatives will recognize Fishers as a new member of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, an affiliate of the WHO Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities later this week.
“As part of the municipality’s first-ever comprehensive plan, Fishers 2040, we have identified four areas that are critical to the health and well-being of our community of residents that are 50 and older,” stated Mayor Scott Fadness. “The City of Fishers is excited to build on this opportunity and will continue to make our community a smart, vibrant, and entrepreneurial place that is friendly to people of all ages, particularly for those 50 and older,”
The designation emphasizes the city’s commitment to continued age-friendly efforts in four distinct categories: land use, housing, transportation, and parks. While Fishers continues to develop in age-friendly ways, this designation also celebrates some of the strides already made to be inclusive to all age groups. Those strides include:
- Quality of life efforts through the installation of Central Indiana’s first outdoor pickleball courts located at Cyntheanne Park.
- Expansion of the WeCare program, overseen by Fishers Fire & Emergency Services. This program leverages firehouse staff to ensure patients recently discharged from hospitals are safely transitioning back home;
- A morning call network and vacation watch program both overseen by Fishers Police Department and,
- Fishers’ work to shed light on ADA-compliant policy through its Advisory Council on Disability.
“AARP Indiana is working to make our communities throughout the state more livable for older Hoosiers and their families,” said Sarah Waddle, AARP Indiana State Director. “We are excited about Fishers becoming the first city in our state to join AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly Communities and we’re looking forward to other communities following Fishers’ lead.”
Though new programs have been implemented, the designation was granted due to Fishers’ commitment to developing with active older residents in mind, far into the future.
Find more information about Fishers 2040 and age-friendly efforts within the City of Fisher, and learn more about AARP or the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities.