Ellsworth, Maine Print
Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
12/10/2014
Lead Agency: Ellsworth Economic Development Planning Department
Government Agency
Action Plan Download
Ellsworth developed its action plan primary through the city council, whose approach to age-friendly work is to look at the town's aging demographic as a positive asset that can lead to economic development. The community has been proactive about its aging population and has taken significant steps to improve infrastructure with an eye towards older adults. The focus on infrastructure has led Ellsworth to renovate a former school building to serve as a community and senior center, and to undertake a study on senior housing needs with the goal of creating new development for middle income older adults. The age-friendly initiative is a collaboration between the municipality, health care organizations, social service providers, community groups, and adjacent towns.
Action Plan Highlights
Social Participation
Enhance social participation for older adults through food-related activities for gathering or growing, promoting cultural events, and identifying formal recreational opportunities.Outdoor Spaces
Improve outdoor amenities for older adults by designating that parking areas near services and public spaces have 2% handicapped accessible spaces, improving lighting in parking areas at schools, conducting a downtown walk audit, and passing new ordinances to require business property owners to shovel downtown sidewalks.Housing
Improve home conditions for older adults by increasing awareness of home repair/modification programs for low-income older residents, establishing a volunteer home repair and maintenance program for low-income seniors and a vetted paid contractor referral program.
