Mac users: Increase text size by holding command and +. Decrease text size by holding command and -.The 2020 AARP Community Challenge Grant opportunity is open and plenty of examples are being shared as part of the push to solicit applications that help cities and towns become more age-friendly. Continue reading
Category Archives: Stories from the Field
Pittsfield Placemaking Project Highlighted by AARP
In their recent newsletter, AARP Livable Communities focused on cities that are “activating” their alleyways into vibrant community spaces that turn into more than a pass-through or a place people avoid.
In 2017, the community planning and design firm Team Better Block helped to reimagine a stretch of Tyler Street in Pittsfield. Continue reading
AARP Newsletter on Shared Community Spaces Highlights Swampscott Best Practice
In their recent newsletter, AARP Livable Communities shared a number of examples of cities and towns that co-located facilities to save costs and encourage inter-generational activity.
Among the examples is a co-located high school and senior center in the town of Swampscott, Mass. Continue reading
AARP Wins Award for Video Celebrating Men as Family Caregivers
AARP recently won a prominent “Sharecare Award” for its video spotlighting men as family caregivers, raising attention to an often hidden but vitally important group of people.
Co-produced with AARP Studios, the 3-minute video offers an inside look at a gathering of African-American men from Philadelphia who support one another and openly share their unique challenges. Continue reading
Boston Front and Center in Latest AARP Newsletter
The latest AARP Livable Communities Newsletter has a headline feature titled “Boston Is Putting Driverless Cars Through an Age-Friendly Road Test.” The article is focused on the public-private partnership that is setting an example for other cities to follow when it comes to autonomous vehicles.
Another article looks at more immediate area where Boston needed to set an example, which is the “Safest Driver Contest” aimed at accomplishing the city’s Vision Zero goals of eliminating traffic fatalities.
‘Giving Voice’ Initiative Helps Choirs Include People Living with Dementia
Thanks to The Giving Voice Initiative, communities seeking to become Age- and Dementia Friendly have another way to be inclusive. The organization provides a free toolkit to help communities establish choirs that actively recruit participants living with memory loss and their care partners. Continue reading
Topsfield Fair Becomes First Dementia Friendly Fair in the Country on its 200th Anniversary
On it’s 200th anniversary, the Topsfield Fair, the olderst agricultural fair in the country, will also be the first to become “Dementia Friendly.” Continue reading
City of Boston Launches Age- and Dementia Friendly Business Designation
Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the City of Boston’s Commission on Affairs of the Elderly launched their Age and Dementia-Friendly Business designation, a new pilot program that encourages local businesses to make their spaces and services more inclusive for people of all ages. Today’s announcement was held at Local 338 Bagels and Coffee in West Roxbury, one of nine organizations that received the designation today, which includes certificates and decals to mark their business as Age and Dementia-Friendly. Continue reading
Berkshire Eagle Podcast Discusses Age-Friendly Berkshires Action Plan
A new edition of the Berkshire Eagle Podcast highlights the ongoing work of Age Friendly Berkshires after the recent release of their action plan following three years of assessment and planning.
Age-Friendly Berkshires Celebrates Action Plan Launch
Nearly 100 volunteers, supporters and collaborators attended an event at Berkshire Hills Country Club to celebrate the launch of an action plan for Age-Friendly Berkshires.
After several years of work, it was clear that the regional effort of 32 communities and dozens of organizations was worth the wait. Continue reading