Creative placemaking is an approach that deeply engages the arts, culture, and creativity—especially from underrepresented communities—in planning and designing transportation projects to better reflect and celebrate local culture, heritage, and values. Continue reading
Tag Archives: community design
Report: Growing Assistive Technology Awareness through State Programs, Partnerships, and Innovation
Building partnerships through collaboration between assistive technology programs and long-term services and supports (LTSS) agencies is one way to expand awareness and facilitate access to AT devices and services.
The AARP Public Policy Institute produced a report in collaboration with the Administration on Community Living and State Assistive Technology Act programs on assistive technology (AT) program partnerships and innovations in states. The report provides valuable information and ideas on partnerships that can improve quality of life for those using assistive technology. Continue reading
‘Dangerous by Design 2021’ Report Highlights Pedestrian Safety Concerns for Older Adults
The most dangerous metro areas and states for people walking have been identified in Dangerous by Design 2021. The number of people struck and killed while walking has gone up 45 percent in a decade, and people of color, older adults, and people walking in low-income neighborhoods were killed at significantly higher rates. Continue reading
State Funding Awards for Housing, Transportation and Community Services Include Strong Support for Older Adults
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.
‘A Better City’ Releases Case Study Report on Tactical Public Space Projects
Building on the work of the 2018 Tactical Public Realm Guidelines presented by the City of Boston and A Better City, the latter organization released the Tactical Public Realm Case Studies report.
While the work is centered in Boston, these case studies present lessons for age-and dementia friendly communities across the state that are looking to make better use of public spaces. Continue reading
8-80 Cities Releases ‘Winter Cities Toolkit’ to Create Inclusive Public Spaces
With the Shared Winter Streets and Spaces grant opportunity from MassDOT still in play, another resource has emerged to help communities create inclusive public spaces during the winter months. Continue reading
In Focus on Bicycling and Older Adults, AARP Highlights Boston Bike Lane Plan
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
Age-Friendly Winter Spaces Guide Aims to Help Communities Embrace Winter, Promote Physical Activity and Social Engagement
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
Age-Friendly Funding Alert: MassTrails
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
Joint Center for Housing Studies Analyzes Which Older Adults Have Access to Livable Neighborhoods
According to a new report from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University and the AARP Public Policy Institute, which examines the AARP Livability Index, there are significant differences between who has access to the country’s most livable communities. Continue reading