Arlington Heights, Illinois Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
5/14/2018

Lead Agency: Arlington Heights Senior Center

Senior/Community Center

Action Plan Download

An action plan is based on the results of community surveys identifying needs within the 8 Domains of Livability that influence the health and quality of life of older adults. While there is flexibility in how a plan is created and what it will do, every action plan includes a statement about what can be achieved, target dates for goal completion, identification of participating organizations and indicators to measure progress. The action plan is an "active" rather than static document. Revisions and amendments are a sign of program improvement and progress.

Action Plan Highlights

  1. Housing

    Provide more safe, clean, and affordable housing units through a new village ordinance.

  2. Transportation

    Increase awareness of existing transportation options for older adults and people with disabilities through marketing initiatives and a community resource directory/web page.

  3. Communication and Information

    Create a central source of internet accessible community information to connect older adults with village services and village partner's strong network of providers and resources.

Progress Report Download

Age-Friendly Arlington Heights' progress report focuses on housing and communication. The Village expanded its Snow Removal Referral Program, which connects students with residents aged 60+ and people with disabilities to provide affordable snow shoveling, to now include lawn mowing services that support year-round home upkeep. The Northwest Housing Partnership's Handyman Program offers affordable minor home repairs for older adults, helping them maintain their homes safely. To improve communication and accessibility, the Village identified the top languages spoken in the community and translated key program and resource materials, while also creating a centralized online resource hub to connect residents with local services and supports.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Northwest Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (2024)

Arlington Heights, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Bike Audits

Description: Older adults helped audit a multi-use path where safety and accessibility issues limited use. Their input highlighted hazards and informed plans for improvements. The project also built ties with the bike advisory committee, giving older adults a voice in shaping safer routes. Continued engagement, including monthly meetings, ensures their concerns remain central to future upgrades.

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

Village of Bensenville (2026)

Bensenville, IL

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: Transportation Other

Description: This project will enhance pedestrian safety at busy intersections by adding warning surfaces, clearer crosswalks and benches. This will make it easier and safer for older adults and those with mobility or vision challenges to cross.

ABOUT THE AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.

See all nearby projects

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

Visit AARP.ORG/LIVABLE
people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

Check out the Livable Library
download icon

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

Subscribe now!
mail icon

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 Illinois State Office

222 N. LaSalle Street
Suite 710
Chicago, IL 60601
United States

Phone: 866-448-3613
Fax: 312-372-2204
Email: [email protected]