What is SHAPE?
SHAPE the Future of Aging is a strategic plan to make Fairfax County a better place to age, for older adults to live safely, independently, and with dignity.
SHAPE is an acronym that includes five areas of focus:
- Services for Older Adults and Family Caregivers
- Housing and Neighborhood Supports
- Access to Mobility Options
- Personal Well-Being
- Economic Stability and Planning
The SHAPE the Future of Aging plan is aligned with the Fairfax County Strategic Plan and OneFairfax to address the needs of older adults as we plan for the future. The plan was adopted by the Board of Supervisors in May 2023.
Committees were formed to focus on each of the five SHAPE categories. Each committee is led by two members of the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging. Committee membership is made up of experts from community-based organizations, 50+ Community Ambassadors, and a rich blend of public and private stakeholders, including private citizens, business owners, residents, older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers.
Representatives from the Affordable Housing Advisory Council, Coordinating Council on Aging and Adults with Disabilities (CCAAD), Commission for Women and the Transportation Advisory Commission also serve as members. In addition, many County agencies are members of committees including the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board, Department of Emergency Management and Security, Department of Family Services, Department of Planning and Development, Department of Transportation, Department of Housing and Community Development, Land Development Services, Fairfax County Public Library, and the Department of Neighborhood and Community Services.
For more information, please contact the Fairfax Area Commission on Aging at dfscommissiononaging@fairfaxcounty.gov.