See More Projects Like This One

Staten Island, NY

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Walkability

Description: Transportation Alternatives addressed safety concerns along Staten Island's Richmond Terrace corridor through walk audits that identified hazards like poor lighting and uneven sidewalks. The effort prompted lighting upgrades on six blocks, sinkhole repairs and plans for a bus shelter near Snug Harbor Cultural Center. These improvements have made the area safer and more inviting, with one resident saying better lighting and clear walkways would make her "more inclined to take walks with her family to local parks and facilities."

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Birmingham, AL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Walkability

Description: Older adults in Birmingham faced unsafe sidewalks and limited pedestrian access because walkability data was outdated. The chapter organized walk audits, teaching residents how to spot hazards and share findings with city officials. Participants discovered broken sidewalks and accessibility gaps, creating a report expected to guide funding for completing upgrades. The effort will continue as an annual outreach activity, ensuring neighborhoods advocate for safer walking conditions. "Seeing broken sidewalks while using a walker is a humbling experience," one participant noted, underscoring the need for change.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Orosi, CA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Walkability

Description: Rural Communities Resource Center organized six walk audits in Orosi to spotlight unsafe streets lacking sidewalks, crosswalks and speed controls. Nearly all participants were age 50-plus, documenting hazards and sharing findings at community meetings. The effort drew attention from local officials and empowered residents to advocate for safer infrastructure. One participant said, "After walking around our town... I felt happy that I could join with others who want to make Orosi a better and safer place."

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Bridgewater, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Gardens

Description: After the pandemic heightened isolation, the town lacked an accessible outdoor space for older adults to gather and garden. The Senior Center installed ADA-compliant raised beds and developed a master plan to organize the area, informed by listening sessions with residents and local leaders. The project is paving the way for intergenerational gardening programs and a Garden Club, aiming to reduce loneliness and foster inclusion while creating a vibrant community hub.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

Attleboro, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Supporting family caregivers

Description: The project responded to caregivers who stopped exercising or attending social programs because they could not leave loved ones with dementia unattended. The grant created a free respite service staffed by licensed aides, offered during times when older adult classes took place. Caregivers could exercise or reconnect with peers while their loved ones joined supervised group activities. The program helped caregivers regain routine physical activity and social connection while offering participants structured support. As one community member said, "This program is truly remarkable... I wish this program existed when I was caring for them."

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

people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

mail icon

Don't see your community listed?

LEARN HOW IT CAN JOIN THE NETWORK

Connect 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 Massachusetts State Office

One Beacon Street
Suite 2301
Boston, MA 02108
United States

Phone: 866-448-3621
Fax: 617-723-4224
Email: [email protected]