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Becoming Age-Friendly

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In June, Goffstown and Portsmouth became the first members in New Hampshire of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.

Image of Goffstown, New Hampshire

What does this mean for Goffstown?

“Well-designed, livable communities promote health and sustain economic growth, and they make for happier, healthier residents – of all ages.” – aarp.org

An age-friendly community means adopting features like:

  • Safe, walkable streets
  • Better housing and transportation options
  • Access to key services
  • Opportunities for residents to participate in community activities

Our membership provides access to AARP Network’s global resources, information, and provides opportunities for partnerships, mentoring, and peer-review by member cities.

The AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities targets improvements in eight areas that influence the health and quality of life for all as we age:

  • Outdoor spaces and buildings: Availability of safe and accessible recreational facilities.
  • Transportation: Safe and affordable models of private and public transportation.
  • Housing: Availability of home modification programs for aging in place as well as a range of age-friendly housing options.
  • Social participation: Access to leisure and cultural activities, including opportunities for older residents to socialize and engage with their peers as well as with younger people.
  • Respect and social inclusion: Programs that promote ethnic and cultural diversity as well as multigenerational interaction and dialogue.
  • Civic participation and employment: Paid work and volunteer activities for older residents and opportunities to engage in the formulation of policies relevant to their lives.
  • Communication and information: Access to communications technology and other resources so older residents can connect with their community, friends and family.
  • Community support and health services: Access to home-based care services, health clinics and programs that promote wellness and active aging.

Communities participating in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities commit to improving their livability through an assessment of needs, development of an action plan, implementation of new projects and programs, and ongoing assessment – all with the involvement of older residents – in three phases over a five-year period, with continued cycles of assessment and improvement thereafter.

For more information:

Nationwide, 263 communities representing 70 million residents have received the Age-Friendly designation from AARP.