AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
See More Projects Like This One
Charleston, MO
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: Older adults walking along Main Street lacked basic pedestrian safety features, making it harder to reach banks, pharmacies and public offices. Charleston Revitalization Movement added high-visibility crosswalks as well as flashing signs to warn pedestrians and cars. They also added wayfinding signage in a heavy foot traffic area that previously had no crosswalks. Community volunteers helped paint the crosswalks, creating visible routes where none existed. One resident said the project was bringing the community together and made the town feel more welcoming. The improvements increased confidence for older adults who walk downtown and set up a community-supported plan to refresh safety features over time.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Randolph, VT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: This project will enhance pedestrian safety at key downtown crosswalks by installing a Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon (RRFB) and safety flags.
Marlette, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: The Heartlands addressed pedestrian safety concerns inside its local living community for older adults, where residents regularly walk through a busy internal intersection with limited visibility and unclear wayfinding. Long identified as a need, the project added a highly visible three dimensional crosswalk and new directional signage to slow traffic and help residents and visitors navigate the campus more safely. Volunteers and staff also completed landscaping and tree planting to improve comfort and visibility along walking routes. The changes created clearer paths and greater peace of mind for residents who spend time outdoors, and reinforced existing efforts to encourage walking and daily activity. One volunteer noted how the new crosswalk created a safe, clearly marked path that made residents feel more confident being active outside.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Durham, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services
Description: Like many places, Durham is experiencing an affordable housing crisis, with many longtime residents displaced from their neighborhoods. To help residents remain in their homes, Durham Habitat for Humanity expanded its Repairs Program services for low-income, older and disabled residents. The organization purchased a second-hand work truck, which helps work crews perform repairs and home maintenance tasks. Since the purchased, Habitat's teams improved homes in a year, representing a 50 percent increase from the year before. The improvements address unsafe living conditions and make homes more accessible for residents of all ages and abilities. Organizers say providing cost-effective repairs preserves affordable housing and curbs gentrification.
Chapel Hill, NC
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Transportation Systems Change
Description: Frequent crashes on high-injury corridors put pedestrians, especially older adults, at risk when walking to transit or community centers. To address this, the town piloted traffic calming measures including modular refuge islands, a traffic circle and a chicane near key locations. It also hosted a Vision Zero Community Safety Festival and outreach events to educate residents and gather input. These efforts improved safety and accessibility, energized community engagement and accelerated adoption of an updated Traffic Calming Policy, laying the foundation for broader Vision Zero initiatives.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED
Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages
Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities
Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter
Don't see your community listed?
LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORKConnect with your AARP State Office
AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
AARP North Carolina State Office
5511 Capital Center Drive
Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27606
United States