NEWS

Age-Friendly Winter Spaces Guide Aims to Help Communities Embrace Winter, Promote Physical Activity and Social Engagement

Dec 16, 2020

Through grant funding, collaboration, and technical support, communities across Massachusetts have an opportunity to support residents of all ages in remaining physically active and socially engaged this winter.

The pandemic has heightened the awareness and importance of social engagement, which cities and towns can promote with a new guide developed by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, WalkBoston and the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative.

With a timely funding opportunity available through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) Shared Winter Streets and Spaces Program, communities can consider simple concepts and examples that promote physical and mental wellness along with safety and social connection. The grant from MassDOT, which will support projects in several rounds through late February, awards bonus points for projects that are inclusive of older adults. This new guide, entitled Age Friend Winter Spaces: Ideas for Municipalities to Embrace Winter, can help make bids successful while benefiting a broader audience.

You are invited to view the guide here, see the examples below and contact us with questions and requests for support.