Becoming Age-Friendly
In June, Goffstown and Portsmouth became the first members in New Hampshire of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.
“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:
- AARP Livable Communities
- AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities
- Becoming Age-Friendly Facebook Page
- Listen to the conversation on NHPR.org The Exchange “N.H. Communities Seek to Become ‘Age Friendly’ For Both Seniors and Millennials” 2/6/17
Nationwide, 263 communities representing 70 million residents have received the Age-Friendly designation from AARP.
