Washington, DC

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Engaging residents in vibrant public places

Description: Organizers with Vida Senior Center were looking for ways to combat social isolation and create community cohesion during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many D.C. residents were practicing strict social distancing and remaining detached from their peers. To help people feel less isolated, Vida created Anos Dorados, a choir comprised of Spanish-speaking older adults. The choir performed virtually every Friday at the Center's weekly party. They also held eight free, in-person community concerts at events around the greater metropolitan area. Additionally, the choir produced a recording, which features seven songs reflecting Hispanic heritage.

New York, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Capturing data and feedback from residents

Description: To gather data on the health impacts of noise pollution, New York University's Grossman School of Medicine installed sound sensors in Manhattan's Chinatown. Project organizers also created a bilingual website, which visualized the sensor data and featured a sound map and resources for self-guided sound walks. To inform the map, organizers made audio recordings of Chinatown residents talking about their experiences with noise. The Grossman School of Medicine then featured the information at the community's first Noise Forum, attended by policymakers and city agencies. Overexposure to noise is associated with health impacts such as anxiety, sleep disturbances and high blood pressure. Older adults face additional risks due to sensory changes that come with aging.

McLoud, OK

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Transportation Systems Change

Description: This project will expand transportation services to older adults, including recruiting volunteer drivers who will operate a ride-sharing service.