Boston, Massachusetts Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
5/1/2014

Lead Agency: Commission on Affairs of the Elderly (the Elderly Commission)

Age-Friendly Taskforce/Advisory Council/Commission

Action Plan Download

Boston developed its action plan focusing on tangible, concrete steps to improve quality of life for older residents. The plan lays out a series of principles that are meant to be broad in scope and address the impact that the plan will have on the entire community of Boston. These principles include cultural and linguistic diversity; generational interdependence; clear and consistent communication; combating ageism; and creative partnerships. Additionally, Boston commits to building a truly affordable housing stock for all ages, making transit accessible for all ages, improving greenspace, and enhancing health access for all residents.

Action Plan Highlights

  1. Housing

    Allow for aging in place by encouraging universal design principles and features, paying particular attention to the layout of kitchens and bathrooms. Reduce social isolation by encouraging developers to build common areas and shared spaces, and requiring that services be embedded within senior housing.

  2. Transportation

    Better serve transit-using older adults through an improved and expanded partnership with the local transit authority. Educate older adults on public and private transportation options, including ways to access discounted rates and passes.

  3. Outdoor Spaces

    Encourage residents to report problems or concerns related to outdoor spaces using 3-1-1. Mitigate the effects of extreme heat on vulnerable populations, especially older adults living alone, by expanding shading and biophilic design.

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

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Nearby AARP Community Challenge Grantees

Attleboro Norton YMCA (2023)

Attleboro, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Community Health and Economic Empowerment

Description: This project will provide free care to older adults with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's and other related dementias so their caregivers can exercise at the YMCA with the assurance that their loved ones are safe.

Beverly Main Streets

Beverly, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2020

Project Category: Public Spaces

Description: Fifty senior residents will have raised garden beds installed and planted with flowers and vegetable plants in front of their homes. To combat social isolation, theyll be matched with local families who will visit and assist with the gardening.

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 grantees

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 Massachusetts State Office

One Beacon Street
Suite 2301
Boston, MA 02108
United States

Phone: 866-448-3621
Fax: 617-723-4224
Email: [email protected]