The City of Salem was among the first communities in the state to both join the AARP/WHO Network of Age-Friendly Communities and also come out with an action plan. The “Salem for All Ages” task force is once again showing leadership with a “Year One” report that highlights  progress on the items laid out in the city’s Age-Friendly action plan.

Beyond the accomplishments and continued fact-finding that will improve quality of life for older adults and all residents, the report is an example of a community that has successfully convened a broad-based coalition of partners and stakeholders. Those individuals and organizations are listed in multiple subcommittees focused on different subjects like housing and transportation, in addition to the Leadership Council led by Mayor Kim Driscoll.

Salem for All Ages has also provided examples of how to set reachable goals to improve transportation by securing funding from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation for a Intra-city Shuttle Feasibility Study. The funding and the progress to date on that program is mentioned in the report.

In addition to the Age-Friendly Domains, Salem for All Ages has chosen senior volunteerism as an area of focus. The Volunteerism Subcommittee’s overarching goal was to determine a way to better connect seniors interested in volunteering in the community with organizations and causes in need of volunteers. An existing website was identified that will be updated with appropriate information, which will be accompanied by an awareness campaign.

For more, see the Salem For All Ages Year One Report.