Belfast, Maine Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
9/26/2016

Lead Agency: Belfast Planning Department

Government Agency

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. Transportation

    Inform older adult residents of the transportation options available to them, including the local on-demand rides service.

  2. Housing

    Form a housing committee to explore ways to promote affordable, accessible housing options for older adults.

  3. Social Participation

    Decrease social isolation by offering transportation assistance to community events and launching a volunteer call program.

Progress Report Download

Waldo County's progress report reflects the Community's work to improve older adults' access to information. The community created a directory of services for residents aged 50+, as well as a quarterly online newsletter offering opinion columns, feature article and information about local services. To help older adults remain in their homes, the County collaborated with local nonprofit groups to offer home maintenance and repairs. Other achievements include the County's work to improve accessibility within public spaces.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Georges River Land Trust (2022)

Searsmont, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Trails

Description: This project created new seating, trailhead kiosks with information about the area and new accessible parking spots at an existing riverfront trail.

Citizens' Association of Liberty Lakes (2020)

Liberty, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: Getting into the water at Liberty's popular public beaches has always been treacherous, especially for older people and those less able to navigate the slippery, uneven granite ledges at the shore. To make two local lakes more accessible, the Citizen's Association of Liberty Lakes added new steps and handrails. Designed to be removed at the end of each beach season, the non-skid steps and handrails at Steven's Pond are made of aluminum. The custom handrail at Lake St. George is bolted to the ledge, partly underwater. The Association also added picnic tables and benches for year-round use at both sites. I'm so glad you put in this handrail for us older adult swimmers, one visitor told project organizers. I used to dread navigating the slippery rocks to get my swims. Now I can feel safe. Organizers also say the project strengthened cooperation between the Citizens' Association and the Town of Liberty.

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]