For Immediate Release
October 9, 2026
New 2026 CORAA Survey Reveals Key Insights on Aging in Central Ohio
The Ohio State University’s Age-Friendly Innovation Center (AFIC), the Franklin County Office on Aging (FCOA), and the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging (COAAA) announce the release of the 2026 Central Ohio Regional Assessment on Aging (CORAA).
The CORAA is the only random-sample population survey of adults aged 50 and older living in the city of Columbus and in Delaware, Fairfield, Fayette, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, and Union Counties that focuses on issues affecting aging in the region. The survey of 1,349 adults aged 50+ covers a wide array of topics that impact the lives of aging residents, including community safety, housing, scams, food security, financial security, communication, service utilization and awareness, physical health, substance use, mental health, social connection, caregiving, emergency preparedness, transportation, internet usage and employment.
Survey findings were released during the Findings and Data Dashboard Release Webinar hosted on Friday, October 9, where key insights were presented and the full 2026 CORAA Data Dashboard report was released. There will also be an in-person opportunity to learn about findings and the dashboard, through the Senior Services Roundtable on October 21, at the Fran Ryan Center.
AFIC Director Marisa Sheldon stated, “The CORAA is critical to ensuring the voices of older adults inform decision-making in our communities, and a vital step in the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Communities Framework.”
The dashboard will be publicly available online for individuals and organizations to use for general knowledge, program planning, policy advocacy, research, and grant writing. Together, the survey results and the dashboard will be a critical resource for local leaders and elected officials across Central Ohio.
“As our older adult population continues to grow and change, we need to understand both where the needs are today and where they are headed,” said Chanda Wingo, Director of the Franklin County Office on Aging. “CORAA gives us the data to plan strategically and make informed decisions about the services and resources our community needs.”
The CORAA partners would like to thank the many regional aging organizations, students, and community partners across Central Ohio who helped publicize the survey and encourage participation within their communities. Their outreach was an important part of reaching older adults throughout the region.
Katie White, Executive Director of the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging, shared, “Thank you to the many regional organizations, students, and community partners across Central Ohio who helped publicize the survey and encourage participation within their communities. Your outreach was an important part of reaching older adults, and reflects the strength and impact of our regional collaboration”
"Central Ohio is growing, and many of our residents plan to grow older right here,” said William Murdock, Executive Director of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission and Board Chair of the Regional Council of Governments. “Where we live, how we get around, and how connected we feel to our neighbors all shape how well we age. The Central Ohio Regional Assessment on Aging captures the voices of more than 1,300 older adults across eight counties, giving communities, service providers, and elected officials what they need to put its findings to work."
The CORAA report and data dashboard is now available to the public. Community members can access both at https://agefriendly.osu.edu/coraa/2026-report-dashboard/.
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About COAAA
The mission of the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging is to inform and support people as they navigate the experience of aging or disability.
Point of Contact: Katie White, Executive Director
Malika Bryant, Media Relations Specialist,
mbryant@coaaa.org, 614-645-9916, www.coaaa.org.
About AFIC
The mission of the Age-Friendly Innovation Center is to innovate with older adults through research, education, and engagement to make our communities age-friendly.
Point of Contact: Marisa Sheldon, Director of the Age-Friendly Innovation Center,
sheldon.127@osu.edu, agefriendly.osu.edu.
About FCOA
The mission of the Franklin County Office on Aging is to plan, coordinate, and provide centralized access to diverse programs and individualized services for older adults, dependent adults, and their families so they can preserve their independence, dignity, and quality of life.
Point of Contact: Angela Wagner, MBA, Executive Assistant to Director Chanda Wingo,
Angela.Wagner@franklincountyohio.gov, officeonaging.org. Back to All News