Making Massachusetts Even More More Livable For People Of All Ages

Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children.

In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.

A livable community is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. 

Walkable Streets
Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here.

Housing Options
Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.

Transportation
A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. 

Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.
Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email: ma@aarp.org

Other Issue Areas
Biking- Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change Click here
Community Gardens can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness. Click here to learn more
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 and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. Click here to learn more

AARP Community Challenge Grants

To help make communities even more livable, every year AARP launchs the AARP Community Challenge program. AARP provides grants that focus on tangible change, community engagement and its quick-action timeline helps selected grantees fast-track ideas and replicate promising practices.

Since 2017, AARP has invested $20.1 million toward 1,700 projects – including 44 in Massachusetts – nonprofit organizations, and government entities across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands through the Community Challenge. The program aims to provide support to all community types, including rural, suburban and urban communities with a special focus on the needs of those 50 and older.

In 2024, AARP Massachusetts funded these projects

• Andover Elder Services created an intergenerational garden along with Andover Youth Services, Andover Pollinator Pathway Group and area garden clubs.
• Belchertown Senior Center installed benches along a new paved walkway near an assisted living facility and a school. The seating will enable older adults with physical or cognitive challenges to take walks.
• Bigelow Free Public Library Clinton helped purchase a GRIT all-terrain freedom chair to accommodate people who would like to be able to access nature.
• Bike Connector Inc.  of Lowell provided older adults with free refurbished bikes, bike helmets, locks and lights.
• Blackstone Parks and Recreation built 12 raised beds for older residents to grow produce and flowers.
• Clarksburg erected a digital sign in front of town hall to alert residents of upcoming events and emergencies.
• Friends of Buttonwood Park, New Bedford, is installing benches along a path in Buttonwood Park to improve accessibility for people of all ages and abilities.
• Green Cambridge conducted walk audits is sharing the results to help make streetscape improvements.
• Meaningful Occasions, Boston provided technology training for older adults living in affordable housing.
• Merrimac Senior Center conducted a bike audit.  Older adult volunteers assed the condition of sidewalks and paths with the hopes of implementing an e-bike program.
• Monterey promoted personal connectivity and digital literacy for residents 50+
• Pepperell Aid Community Home added an ADA door system to their building which operates a food pantry.
• Downtown Taunton Foundation is making the Downtown Taunton Walking Trail for recreation, fitness, and economic stimulation.
• Watertown Department of Senior Services and Council on Aging is helping to fund an eviction prevention project that offers financial aid to older adult tenants.
• Wayland Council on Aging provided home safety trainings for older adults in an effort to help residents aging in place.
• Worcester Housing Authority offered digital literacy courses to older residents.

The 2025 Application session has closed. We'll be announcing the grantees in June.

Check out what a community challenge project can look like. These are three of the grantees from 2023: