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
Tag Archives: community design
AARP Announces Community Challenge 2020 Grantees
For the fourth annual AARP Community Challenge, AARP received more than 2,800 applications from nonprofits and government entities, resulting in a highly competitive selection process.
A total of more than $2.4 million is being distributed to fund 184 quick-action projects across the country, helping urban, rural and suburban communities make immediate improvements and jumpstart long-term progress to support residents of all ages. Continue reading
UMass Gerontology Institute Measures COVID-19 Impact on State’s Older Adults
A recent report by researchers from the Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging at UMass Boston’s Gerontology Institute examines these consequences for the older population in Massachusetts.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront common obstacles experienced by older people, and also exacerbated challenges related to income, housing, nutrition, medical care, and emotional wellbeing. The work of community organizations meant to meet the needs of older adults is more critical than ever during this public health crisis.
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative also believes this points to the importance of creating and advancing age-and dementia friendly communities as well. Continue reading
Smart Growth America, CDC Launch ‘Champions Institute’ to Promote Complete Streets and Physical Activity
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
State Announces $4 Million in MassTrails Grants to 55 Communities
The Baker Administration awarded $4 million in MassTrails Grants to 55 local trail projects throughout the Commonwealth. The grants will support the state’s vast network of trails with projects dedicated to the construction, maintenance, and improvements for a variety of public trails, including hiking trails, bikeways, and shared-use paths. Continue reading
AARP and Main Street America Launch Series on ‘Open Streets’ Programs
In partnership with the AARP Livable Communities Team, Main Street America is launching a series of briefs to explore the benefits of open streets programs, outline a set of priorities local leaders should consider when implementing these initiatives, and provide examples of open streets projects in two Main Street communities. Continue reading
Take the ‘Cycling Past 50’ Survey from AARP
An AARP survey is compiling data about cycling and people age 50 or older in order to inform local leaders, transportation practitioners and community members so they can encourage and plan for better and safer bicycling experiences for people of all ages. Continue reading
New WalkBoston Guides Offer Infrastructure Improvements and Policies to Promote Age-Friendly Walking
As communities continue to look at safe reopening practices during COVID-19, WalkBoston is releasing a timely pair of resources aimed at improving physical infrastructure and highlighting policies that promote age-friendly walking. Continue reading
NACTO Releases ‘Streets for Pandemic Response and Recovery’ Resource
As communities work to reopen and recover from COVID-19 and the appetite for re-imagining streets and public spaces improves, the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) released a resource displaying transportation and street design practices in response to the pandemic. Continue reading
Age-Friendly Funding Alert: Solomon Foundation’s ‘Streets for Recovery’
A dilemma facing communities right now is how to reopen while keeping residents safe through physical distancing. In a time when we’re required to maintain physical distance to protect public health, streets need to do more than ever. Continue reading