AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
See More Projects Like This One
Detroit, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Lots in Detroit's Poletown neighborhood left older adults and neighbors without safe access to nature. The project installed an ADA-compliant boardwalk and gathering deck with seating. It was connected to accessible paths and created a focal point for the Circle Forest restoration. These improvements allow residents and care facility visitors to enjoy the outdoors and socialize. "Workers tell me how happy they are to get away and recharge during their shift," said a project lead, noting the space now draws neighbors daily.
Littleton, NH
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: In rural Littleton, winter weather and lack of transit often isolate older adults from civic life. The community center tackled this by installing high-speed internet, streaming equipment and a public laptop, along with safety upgrades and lightweight tables for easier setup. Residents can now join meetings and events online, reducing barriers for those unable to travel. The improvements also enhance security and convenience for groups using the historic building. A town official praised the new streaming service, saying it will "encourage more community engagement."
Tempe, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Over the years, Tempe has worked to become a dementia-friendly city. More than 1,500 of the city's residents have memory loss. To support these residents, the City hosts a weekly memory cafe. Caregivers can network with each other, and people exeperiencing Alzheimers and other forms of dementia can interact with each other and build friendships. Organizers hoped to make the building hosting the cafe more welcoming to participants. To do this, they improvided wayfinding onsite. The City installed signage with easily-understood icons, large print and high color contrast. The signs point people to classrooms, the onsite fitness center, the intformation desk and restrooms.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Logan, UT
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020
Project Category: Developing projects based on residents' priorities
Description: Cache County is home to many migrants from Eritrea, Sudan, Somalia, Myanmar and other nations. To serve this community, Cache Refugee and Immigrant Connection launched its Neighbor Program, with matches refugee families with local U.S.-born families. The cross-cultural pairings help familiarize newcomers with local resources, as well as activities and restaurants. Most importantly, participants learned about each other's cultures and developed friendships. To reach more families, project organizers worked to translate information about the program into Spanish, Tigrinya, Somali, Karen and Arabic. To ensure safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, participants primarily met online, but facilitators also provided them with outdoor activity kits. During the winter holidays, they baked cookies to share with one another.
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 Wyoming State Office
1800 Carey Ave
Suite 400
Cheyenne, WY 82001
United States