Newton, Massachusetts Print
Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
2/9/2016
Lead Agency: Senior Services Department
Government Agency
Action Plan Download
The Department of Senior Services and Council on Aging in Newton work to optimize the quality of life for older adults through sustained leadership that helps make Newton a livable and age-friendly community. Newton's planning effort, PLAAN, details priorities for each domain area, including high housing costs, aging infrastructure, lack of affordable transportation options, food insecurity, age discrimination in employment, a desire for greater intergenerational connection, and growing isolation among older residents.
Action Plan Highlights
Housing
The Age-Friendly Newton Housing Committee has three objectives: promoting new age-friendly housing options, helping older residents access existing age-friendly housing, and supporting older residents to safely age in place. The committee advocates for policies that increase the availability of affordable, accessible, and adaptable housing, and works to educate residents on existing programs and resources to help them remain in their homes.Transportation
The Age-Friendly Newton Action Plan has identified three goals related to transportation: optimizing transportation options for older adults, improving their knowledge and access to these options, and enhancing infrastructure such as streets, roads, and sidewalks. These goals aim to make transportation more accessible and convenient for older adults in Newton, ultimately improving their quality of life.Outdoor Spaces
Develop a new senior center to meet the needs of a growing population. Conduct an inventory of existing age-friendly resources and communicate with the community to increase awareness and access. Incorporate age-friendly and dementia-friendly elements into the design of parks and green spaces.
Progress Report
Newton, Massachusetts has a transportation system called NewMo, launched in 2019, which provides on-demand trips for residents aged 60 and older to various destinations using an app or call center. Due to its early success, the system was expanded in 2021 to include service to the entire city for riders of all ages. Additionally, the city has approved the construction of a new Senior Center/Community Center, called the Newton Center for Active Living (NewCAL), with a planned ribbon cutting at the end of 2024. The building will meet the space needs of Department of Senior Services programming and has received $20 million in funding.
