Augusta, Maine Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
5/5/2016

Lead Agency: University of New England

Institute of Higher Education

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. Health and Community Services

    Conduct wellness checks on older adults in partnership with local police.

  2. Housing

    Help close the housing gap by encouraging the banking community to offer low-interest, emergency loans under $2,400 to low-income older adults.

Progress Report Download

Since completing its action plan, the City of Augusta has made progress improving accessibility, encouraging active transportation and increasing social opportunities for community members. The City set up an on-demand snow shoveling program to keep sidewalks passable in winter and installed benches, which local artists decorated. Additionally, they launched a pilot program to provide bus rides to residents of senior living communities. To ensure older adults feel welcomed, the City created an age-friendly business certification. A variety of social activities offerings kept residents socially engaged and an Age-Friendly State House Day put residents in contact with their elected officials.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Vision Hallowell (2020)

Hallowell, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: An ADA-accessible ramp now spans the steep bank separating Granite City Park's parking lot from Hallowell's popular waterfront boardwalk and boat ramp. Vision Hallowell and the Hallowell All Age-Friendly Committee designed the 24-foot aluminum ramp to be installed seasonally, for use in the spring, summer and fall months. It joins several municipal ramps and docks that give residents access to the Kennebec River. While Hallowell has no town square, the waterfront fills this role. Thanks to the new ramp, older adults, those with mobility challenges and parents pushing baby strollers are now able to access the city's waterfront bulkhead, a center of activity featuring dozens of colorful Adirondack chairs.

Vision Hallowell (2024)

Hallowell, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Park enhancements

Description: This project will increase accessibility in a local park by adding a smooth path and replacing outdated picnic tables. The organization will also install two bike racks onsite.

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

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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 Maine State Office

53 Baxter Boulevard
Suite 202
Portland, ME 04101
United States

Phone: 866-554-5380
Fax: 207-775-5727
Email: [email protected]