Respect & Social Inclusion

Our vision for Oneida County: To increase meaningful and positive engagement by older adults in community life. Needs and preferences of a diversity of older adults heard, considered, and acted upon in planning programs and events. Intergenerational bonds are strengthened.

SEE OUR 2025-2028 ACTION PLAN

Highlights

Examples of age-friendly work in the Respect & Social Inclusion domain of livability include:

  • Intergenerational programs are offered through Utica University’s Young Scholars Liberty Partnerships Program (YSLPP) and STEPS program.
  • Oneida County Office for Aging and Continuing Care held annual public forums to engage older adult residents in public policy and practice and to gather perceptions of respect given to older adults in the community.
  • An ageism awareness campaign was launched through sharing social media posts on Ageism Awareness Day.

In Progress

  • The Community Work Group has completed a draft of the Age-Friendly Business Toolkit with the intention of collaborating with local chambers of commerce to introduce this resource to the community.

Work Group

The joint Social Participation; Communication and Information; and Respect and Inclusion Work Group currently includes representatives from 50 Forward Mohawk Valley, Alzheimer’s Association-Central New York Chapter, Dunham Public Library, Mohawk Valley Latino Association, New Hartford Public Library, Oneida County Office for Aging and Continuing Care, Oneida County Tourism, The Center, Utica University, as well as other experts and community members.