Bath, Maine Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
8/1/2018

Lead Agency: Age-Friendly Communities of the Lower Kennebec (AFCLK)

Coalition

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

    Create additional safety measures for older adults living alone by investigating a 'knox box' program for emergency responders to gain easy access to homes via key in coded, locked exterior box.

  2. Civic Participation and Employment

    Create an age-friendly business certifiation program.

  3. Outdoor Spaces

    Expand outdoor infrastructure for older adults including 'friendship benches" and mixed-age playgrounds.

Progress Report Download

Working in collaboration with other communities in Maine's Lower Kennebec region, the City of Bath celebrated successes related to housing diversity, transportation access and welcoming public spaces in its age-friendly progress report. The City updated its zoning code to allow accessory dwelling units for some homeowners. Alongside the change, the City published a toolkit on the housing type. To help older adults get around, the community expanded its volunteer driver program. The City also helped to invite residents to spend time outdoors -- especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. To achieve this, the City added chess and checkers tables, as well as lawn games, to public spaces. An inventory of the community's benches also reflected Bath's commitment to accessible outdoor spaces.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Age-Friendly Communities of the Lower Kennebec (2022)

Bath, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Accessory dwelling units, tiny homes and manufactured housing

Description: To inform residents about the benefits of accessory dwelling units, the local age-friendly initiative launched an educational campaign. ADUs consist of a second housing unit -- including self-contained apartments, cottages or small houses -- constructed on a property alongside a preexisting single-family home. Organizers produced a multimedia package, including an ADU toolkit, video content, a website and social media posts.

Age-Friendly Communities of the Lower Kennebec (2025)

Sagadahoc, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Disaster Preparedness

Description: Older adults across several communities expressed fear and uncertainty about emergencies, with many lacking preparedness plans or clear information about local resources. Age-Friendly Communities of the Lower Kennebec hosted six listening sessions where participants shared experiences and concerns about disasters. The conversations emphasized communication, evacuation routes and the importance of checking on neighbors. These led to increased signups for the county emergency notification system. By partnering with county emergency management and centering older adults voices, the project energized communities to begin developing local response plans and laid the groundwork for coordinated preparedness efforts.

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

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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]