With more than 58,000 residents age 65 and older — a population that grows by approximately 1,500 people each year — Lincoln is taking steps to prepare for the community's changing demographic landscape.
During a press conference last week (covered by 10/11 Now, KLKN, and more), Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird highlighted the City of Lincoln's new Age-Friendly Community Action Plan, a roadmap designed to support older adults and enhance quality of life for residents of all ages.
A key contributor to the plan's development was the University of Nebraska Public Policy Center (NUPPC), which helped lead community listening sessions and facilitated working groups in partnership with Aging Partners, AARP Nebraska, local organizations, and residents. Through this collaborative process, the three following priority areas were identified that will guide future age-friendly initiatives across Lincoln.
- Communication and Information: aims to expand digital literacy, strengthen Aging Partners as a trusted community resource, improve coordination among service providers, and reduce barriers that can contribute to social isolation.
- Transportation: centers on increasing awareness of and confidence in public transit options, incorporating age-friendly considerations into route planning and bus stop design, and improving access to community events and essential services for residents who do not drive.
- Housing: focuses on evaluating cost-effective design features that support aging in place, advocating for policy and funding improvements, expanding incentives for age-friendly development, and identifying barriers within existing zoning and building codes.
City leaders say the collaborative effort, supported by NUPPC's community engagement and facilitation expertise, has helped position Lincoln to address long-term demographic changes while promoting independence, social connection, and well-being among older adults.
As a result of these efforts, AARP renewed Lincoln's designation as an Age-Friendly Community in 2024, recognizing the city's continued commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for residents as they age.