Age-Friendly Central Mass, an initiative led by the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC) and supported by the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative, became the newest addition to the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.

The initiative, which also includes dementia friendly community efforts, coincides with CMRPC’s long-range regional planning process called Imagine 2050. An estimated 24% of the 40 communities in CMRPC’s coverage area are currently age 60 and older. That percentage is expected to increase to 30% by the year 2040.

The Central Mass. work follows a growing trend of communities working together as a region to support age- and dementia friendly efforts. Many regional planning agencies like CMRPC lead these initiatives in partnership with other organizations like Aging Service Access Points (ASAPs).

CMRPC and MHAC are promoting a survey for those who live and work in the region, which is available in three languages (see below), as well as listening sessions in the area’s sub-regions.