The Smart Cycling Quick Guide is an easy-to-read booklet that outlines the basic rules of the road, components of a bicycle, and all of the information a cyclist needs to ride a bike safely and confidently in and around traffic.
A 32-page primer, the guide is published by the League of American Bicyclists with support from AARP. Continue reading
In the past week, the state has announced the latest grant awards for MassDOT’s Shared Winter Streets and Spaces program, Affordable Housing Development, and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) – all of which include multiple projects that support older adults.
All of the following award announcements are great examples for age- and dementia friendly communities looking to address housing, transportation and community services.
In their latest newsletter, AARP’s Livable Communities team focuses on bicycling and older adults by promoting a free webinar and ways bike lanes improve safety for all, including those who don’t use a bike. Continue reading
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. Continue reading
The latest round of Mass. Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) Shared Winter Streets and Spaces features new project categories that award bonus points for proposals that include older adults. Continue reading
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative encourages communities and regions seeking to become more age and dementia friendly to consider the new round of MassTrails grants.
The program supports recreational trail and shared use pathway projects across the Commonwealth. Grant amounts are dependent on the project and its needs, but generally range from $5,000 to $100,000 with grants of up to $300,000 awarded to projects demonstrating critical network connections of regional significance. Continue reading
WalkBoston virtually presented their annual ‘Golden Shoe’ awards to those that advanced their mission of creating safe and walkable environments for all and, this year, those honorees included the Tufts Health Plan Foundation and Boston’s Age Strong Commission. Continue reading
Nearly 3,000 older adults across the country answered questions in an AARP survey about their cycling history and habits, any changes in their bicycling routine during the past year — including since the COVID-19 pandemic — and preferences for cycling locations and conditions. Continue reading
Due to COVID-19, the popular A Matter of Balance (MOB) program was temporarily put on pause.
Earlier this summer, MaineHealth, the home of the MOB program, reached out to Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and North Shore to discuss a virtual adaptation of the program. ETHOS of Boston and Bristol Elder Services joined ESMV-NS to pilot the program via Zoom thanks to funding from the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation. This pilot is the first of its kind anywhere. Continue reading
Smart Growth America (SGA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity are now accepting applications for the Champions Institute, a new initiative for elected officials focused on safe streets and healthy communities. This is an opportunity for elected leaders of Age-and Dementia Friendly Communities to learn more about the concepts of Complete Streets and inclusive street policies and practices.
The Champions Institute will serve to prepare mayors, city council people, tribal representatives, and other local elected-officials to act as champions supporting plans, policies, and funding that promote activity-friendly routes to everyday destinations, as part of the Active People, Healthy Nation Initiative. Continue reading
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