All Things Age Friendly with AARP Massachusetts

For the past 5 years, Massachusetts has been designated as Age Friendly and Dementia Friendly. Watch the video below and learn more about what these past 5 years have meant and what it means going forward.

The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities encourages states, cities, towns and rural areas to prepare for the rapid aging of the U.S. population by paying increased attention to the environmental, economic and social factors that influence the health and well-being of older adults. Launched in April 2012, the network operates as an affiliate of the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities and Communities Program.

AARP Massachusetts collaborates with a number of organizations and leaders statewide to offer greater choices in housing, transportation, public spaces, and opportunities to engage. In doing so, we work to create communities that work better for people of all ages and abilities. In collaboration with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Massachusetts became the second state to enroll in the network, creating an action plan built on the foundation work laid by municipalities, philanthropic, and community-based organizations. Follow the link here to see a list of communities in Massachusetts striving to make their communities great places for people of all ages.

The Age Friendly movement has been growing, you may noticed a recent article in the AARP Bulletin.

If you're interested in joining up and getting your community on board, email us at ma@aarp.org

The Domains of Livability

Housing

Housing needs change as we age, but it’s possible for our homes and communities to be livable for people of all ages and life stages. Below are some helpful resources to help with addressing housing.Policy:

• Massachusetts Housing Choice Initiative
• ADU Model State Act and Local Ordinance

Around MA:

• Salem – Accessory Dwelling Units
• Arlington – Accessory Dwelling Units

Resources:

• ABCs of ADUs
• Missing Middle Housing
• More housing resources…

Presentations:

• Guest Houses and In-Law Suites-recording
• Creating Housing Option in MA-recording
• Request a housing presentation for your community

Transportation

Reliable, safe and affordable public transportation options ensure that people can get to work, school and the other places they need to be. Well-designed signage and traveler information help people find the places where they want to go. Safe pedestrian and cycling infrastructure encourages people to walk, bike or roll to destinations.Policy:

• Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization
• National Vision Zero Network

Around MA:

• Destination 2040: Long-Range Transportation Plan
• Salem Skipper
• Quaboag Connector
• Fare Free Buses Lawrence
• Fare Free Buses Worcester

Resources:

• Walk Boston
• Walk Audit Tool Kit
• More transportation resources…

Presentations:

• Getting Back on the Bike
• Preparing for Your Next Ride
• Request a walk audit presentation for your community
  

Outdoor Spaces and Buildings

Public parks are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.However, the way parks are designed, maintained and programmed doesn’t always reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces.
Around MA:

• Chelsea Prospers
• MA Shared Streets and Spaces
• Greenfield Pocket Park
• Chelmsford Pop-Up Library

Resources:

• Age and Dementia Design Considerations for Physical Infrastructure
• Creating Parks and Public Spaces for People of all Ages
• More parks and public space resources…