The Charlottesville Area Alliance (CAA) is a collaborative network of nearly 60 organizations committed to creating an age-friendly community in the Greater Charlottesville area. Our mission is to ensure that people of all ages can live, work, and thrive in an inclusive, accessible, and vibrant community. By focusing on the unique needs of older adults, we are working toward a future where people of all generations can enjoy a high quality of life.
Our Vision & Mission
- Mission: To lead the advancement of an age-friendly community.
- Vision: Our vision is for the Greater Charlottesville area to be the most age-friendly community in the country.
Why Age-Friendly Communities Matter
The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified aging as one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time. Among the most critical issues listed in their 8 Domains of Livability is social isolation—a problem that impacts not only seniors but the broader community. Creating age-friendly communities is essential for fostering environments where people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can live, work, and engage fully in public life.
An age-friendly community supports people as they age by providing accessible transportation, housing, opportunities for social participation, and other services that promote health, independence, and social connection. Planning for the needs of older adults today ensures a stronger, more inclusive community for everyone in the future.
Key Focus Areas
Transportation
Safe, reliable, and accessible transportation options are essential for seniors to maintain independence and stay connected to their communities. The CAA works to improve public transit, enhance pedestrian infrastructure, and advocate for mobility solutions that meet the needs of older adults, allowing them to remain active participants in community life.
Housing
The CAA is committed to advocating for housing solutions that enable seniors to live independently in their homes for as long as possible. We support accessible housing policies, including Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and other innovative housing models that help seniors age in place and avoid institutional care.
Social Engagement
Social isolation is a significant concern for many older adults. The CAA fosters opportunities for seniors to engage socially, build relationships, and participate in community activities, which can greatly improve their mental and physical well-being. We work to create a connected and inclusive community where everyone can stay involved and feel valued.
Advocacy
The CAA advocates for policies that support the aging population, ensuring that their voices are heard in local decision-making processes. We focus on raising awareness of age-friendly issues, educating the community, and pushing for systemic changes that benefit seniors and improve livability for all.
Power of Partnership: Improving Lives Together
The CAA brings together nearly 60 organizations—including senior services, transportation agencies, local governments, and other community stakeholders—to create meaningful change. This broad collaboration enables us to leverage resources, expertise, and diverse perspectives to tackle the challenges facing older adults while making the entire community stronger.
By working together, we can more effectively address critical issues such as affordable housing, accessible transportation, and social isolation. This collective impact approach ensures that we meet the needs of older adults while also enhancing quality of life for people of all ages.
Together, we are building a Greater Charlottesville area where people of all ages can thrive, with the ultimate goal of making our community the most age-friendly in the nation.