Greenwood, Maine Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
3/30/2016

Lead Agency: Bethel Age-Friendly Community Initiative

Volunteers (informal)

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

    Promote pedestrian safety, walkability and transportation access by improving crosswalks, building a two-mile universal access trail and developing a volunteer driving program.

  2. Outdoor Spaces

    Make use of community buildings to host recreational classes and events, creating a so-called "distributed" community center until the community can construct a new, physical building for these programs.

  3. Social Participation

    Launch a morning greeting program, where volunteers make daily phone calls to residents to help them feel secure as they age in place.

Progress Report Download

The Bethel Region Age-Friendly Community Initiative focused its attention on diminishing the effects of social isolation and loneliness on its residents. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the initiative rolled out a morning call program, where volunteers check in on local older adults and assist with food delivery. In collaboration with other community non-profit organizations, the initiative operates a free ridesharing program for older adults to help them get around. Walkability and community fitness was also a priority. To make crosswalks safer, the town installed dividers, which resulted in a decrease in traffic accidents. Additionally, the Bethel region completed construction of a two-mile accessible trail. Recreational opportunities include an indoor walking program in the winter and regular Tai Chi classes. Other programming includes digital literacy training. To inform locals about these opportunities, AFCI published a monthly newsletter.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Bethel Age-Friendly Community Initiative (2017)

Bethel, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2017

Project Category: Innovative home maintenance, repair and support services

Description: The Town of Bethel's Age-Friendly Community Initiative created four displays featuring adaptive tools, as well as a catalog with descriptions of each tools and information about where to buy them. One display has been deployed at community outreach events attended by hundreds of residents. Two others are available for nearby communities to borrow for their own events. A local hardware store provided a home for the third display to make adaptive tools available to Bethel residents. In addition, project organizers engaged an occupational therapist to conduct home assessments to help residents determine their risk of falls. Grant funds also supported the local smoke alarm installation and fire escape plan program, conducted in partnership with local fire departments and the Maine Red Cross, as well as the National Fire Protection Association's Be Safe in Your Home initiative.

Bethel Age-Friendly Community Initiative with the Bethel Congo Crafters, the Bethel Area Arts and Music Program and the Gem Theater (2021)

Bethel Region, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2021

Project Category: Public space activation

Description: To provide residents with places to sit and gather, the Bethel Age-Friendly Community partnered with local artists and craftspeople to create benches and picnic tables. As a thank-you to organizations that have supported age-friendly work in the region, organizers gave the seating to partner organizations who assist with age-friendly programming, events and volunteer efforts. The benches and tables now sit in each of the six towns that make up the Bethel region. Each table is adorned with a chess board and each bench features decorations that pay homage to the town where it sits, with volunteers chipping in to paint the furniture. Organizers say they hope the project demonstrates the value of simple public space enhancements.

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]