AARP Hearing Center
AARP Livable Communities Map
See More Projects Like This One
Florence, KY
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many older adults lacked clear information about home safety and falls prevention, making it harder for them to stay independent. NKADD partnered with SeniorSafe Home Solutions to offer classes that gave adults age 50 and over practical steps they could use right away. The organization also strengthened its resource guide by expanding the HomeFit section and preparing 9,000 updated copies for distribution, with broadcast segments planned to share safety tips more widely. One attendee said simple changes like rug tape and non slip strips "made a world of difference." The project set up long-term access to safety resources and opened new pathways for outreach through future sessions and referrals.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Tucson, AZ
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona addressed gaps in home safety knowledge for older adults who want to age in place but lack clear guidance. Through its ELDER Alliance Livable Communities Action Team, the group hosted a community education event focused on the HomeFit Guide, linking residents to usable information about safer home features and local resources. Participants received adaptive items that support daily safety, including lighting, and learned how small changes can reduce risks at home. The work built on an existing age-friendly housing vision and strengthened collaboration with local leaders and partners. New presentation materials are now ready for repeat use in community spaces, supporting continued education and informing housing discussions.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Santa Cruz, CA
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: HomeFit Modifications
Description: Many older adults in Santa Cruz County lacked clear guidance on preventing falls and had limited access to affordable home modifications that help them stay safe. The Volunteer Center held six fall-prevention workshops, including an online option for homebound residents, and partnered with local organizations to widen outreach. Through its Helping Hands program, volunteers installed 137 safety upgrades such as grab bars, railings and grip tape, making daily movement more secure. These permanent modifications supported long-term aging in place. One participant said the grab bars made their shower "feel safer... it's been a gift," highlighting how targeted improvements increased confidence and comfort at home.
Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.
Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects
Wayne, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017
Project Category: Public space activation
Description: Derby's Alley, located in downtown Wayne, was underutilized, but organizers with Wayne Ripple Effect saw its potential as a community gathering space. To showcase the alley, the organization held eight fitness classes, including Tai Chi and cardio drumming instruction. They also installed bistro tables, benches and overhead lighting in the alley. Since then, Wayne Main Street has improved landscaping in the alley and added signage.
Dearborn, MI
AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025
Project Category: Pedestrian Safety
Description: Near housing for older adults, crossings were hard to see at night and in bad weather, discouraging residents from walking and raising crash risk. The city installed flashing crosswalk signs at high-risk locations to improve visibility for drivers and pedestrians. Residents report feeling safer and more willing to walk to nearby destinations. The city will track before-and-after crash data and gather resident feedback, then use both to decide where to add safety upgrades next. The goal is targeted protection at crossings that residents adults rely on, supported by data and lived experience rather than broad claims of impact.
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 Michigan State Office
309 N. Washington Square
Suite 110
Lansing, MI 48933
United States