Purposeful Aging LA Action Plan Initiative Report

Purposeful Aging Los Angeles (PALA) is an age-friendly initiative that prepares the Los Angeles region for a rapidly aging population through an innovative, sustained effort that unites public and private leadership, resources, ideas, and strategies. Purposeful Aging Los Angeles will improve the lives of older adults and Angelinos of all ages.

The community needs assessment included a survey in 9 languages that received 14,105 responses. Survey data was analyzed and reported by a selected group of researchers specializing in aging. Researchers recruited from major universities in the region applied their expertise to the identified livability domains. In addition, AARP led in-person listening sessions.

Development of Action Plan Recommendations was a multi-stage process. The survey results were presented to more than 100 stakeholders, advocates, and professionals working with older adults who helped develop recommendations. The group presented a selection of the top recommendations, and over 300 older adults helped prioritize the recommendations most important to them. The Action Planning Advisory Group, Steering Committee, LA City and County management, and policy staff were presented draft recommendations for their input and approval. City and County departments also did extensive work in response to the call to action. New activities and programs have been launched to engage older adults. The appendix section of the report also includes County and City actions to adopt PALA, along with updates presented to the Mayor, City Council, and the Board of Supervisors.

The vision to make the Los Angeles region the most age-friendly in the world is well underway.