AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
Howard County (2025) Print
2025 AARP Community Challenge Grantee
Project Category
Public places
└ Accessibility of amenities
└ Accessibility of amenities
Older adults visiting the Senior Center struggled to open heavy exterior doors, creating safety risks and preventing many from entering independently. Installing automatic door openers removed a key barrier and allowed residents using walkers, wheelchairs and canes to access the building safely. Staff could stay focused on assisting residents rather than rushing to open the doors, and visitors immediately experienced smoother entry. Community members said residents "could not be happier," reflecting the project's lasting impact in reducing falls and increasing confidence for those who rely on the center.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
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Long Island, ME
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Older residents on Long Island faced isolation as mobility challenges kept them from beaches, a cornerstone of community life. The council purchased and assembled a beach wheelchair, promoted its availability and trained volunteers to manage its use. This simple addition restored access to gatherings and natural spaces, allowing residents and visitors to enjoy the shoreline safely. One older resident who had stopped visiting her favorite beach can now return, and a child's wish for her grandmother to attend a beach birthday party was fulfilled.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Valley City, ND
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Outdated audiovisual equipment made it hard for older adults to hear and see during the museum's popular lecture series, limiting engagement and lifelong learning. The society installed a large-screen television, modern sound system, speakers and microphones to replace obsolete gear. These upgrades ensure clear visuals and audio for presentations, creating a more inclusive experience for attendees. Volunteers, many age 50-plus, continue to host programs, reinforcing the museum's role as a hub for education and social connection. The improvements have already boosted participation, making lectures easier and more enjoyable for older residents.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Newark, DE
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: Four accessible benches with backs will replace worn seating near a popular bandstand area. Improved seating will allow more visitors to rest comfortably during park events.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Morrilton, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Organizers with Action Services noticed that many participants in their day program faced solitary, sedentary lives at home. So they set out to create an outdoor therapy and gathering space, designed to be accessible to people of all ages and abilities. First, volunteers poured a concrete slab to serve as a play surface. They then added a basketball hoop and oversized checkerboard painted on the pavement. They also installed benches and picnic tables onsite. To give community members access to fresh, healthy produce, they set up garden boxes for growing fruits and vegetables and planted fruit trees. Organizers say the improvements have led to more older adults spending time outdoors, actively participating in activities.
Bald Knob, AR
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026
Project Category: Accessibility of amenities
Description: This project will improve safety and create a more inviting space for residents aged 50-plus to gather, share meals, and connect.
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