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.
AARP Livable Communities supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.
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. Livable communities:
The AARP Community Challenge Grant initiative funds innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as public places; housing; transportation; diversity, equity, and inclusion; digital connections; community resilience; and more. The Community Challenge is part of AARP’s nationwide work on livable communities, which supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and counties across the country to become great places for all residents. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; affordable and accessible housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents to participate in community life.
AARP Massachusetts is incredibly proud to have seven grantees right here in our state. Our goal is to support their efforts to create great places for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. As local leaders seek to better their communities for the future, this becomes even more critical.
Here in Massachusetts, the following exciting and diverse projects were funded:
AARP is working in partnership with local leaders, organizations and dedicated residents to help make that vision a reality. As part of that effort, AARP is excited to announce the largest investment of grant dollars to date through the Community Challenge grant program. More than $3.6 million in quick-action grants are being distributed to 310 organizations across all 50 states, Washington D.C, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
To learn more about the work being funded by the AARP Community Challenge both here in Massachusetts as well as across the nation, visit aarp.org/CommunityChallenge. You can also view an interactive map of all of the Community Challenge projects and AARP Massachusetts’ livable communities work at aarp.org/livable.
Walkability Webinar [ON-Demand & Free]
How walkable are the streets in your community? Are they accessible, safe, comfortable and enjoyable for residents of all ages? Watch our free webinar to discover the importance of walkable streets and how they can benefit your entire community. You’ll explore how having walkable streets can help local businesses succeed and support health and safety for all. Plus, find out how to educate and take action locally using the AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit. This free webinar will show how grassroots efforts and pilot projects can help neighbors, policymakers, local leaders and volunteers make roadways safe for all users. Sign up and watch now.
This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the AARP Massachusetts page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
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