The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) became one of the largest age-friendly regions in the country when they were recognized by AARP in 2024 for their commitment through their long-range regional plan – MetroCommon2050.

Their recently released annual report shows some of the progress they have made in supporting age and dementia friendly efforts in communities in Greater Boston.

The accomplishments listed under the “Community Planning” category includes a photo of AARP presenting MAPC with their age-friendly certificate stating “Building on MAPC’s age-friendly projects work over the past few years, MAPC joined the AARP Network of Age-friendly States and Communities this year. By joining the Network, MAPC committed to including an age-friendly lens in all projects and work.”

MAPC also supported an age-friendly business project in partnership with the Town of Concord. MAPC conducted a survey of older residents in the Summer 2024 focused on how to create more inclusivity in the Concord business areas. Based on the over 300 survey responses received, a need for age-friendly benches was identified. Following the survey, Concord received a $27,000 grant from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism to install the benches around the Town Center. 

MAPC also supported a list of legislative priorities that support age- and dementia friendly communities, including the Affordable Homes Act and SAPHE 2.0.

For more highlights, see the MAPC report here.