Portland, Maine Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
8/13/2014

Lead Agency: City of Portland Office of Elder Affairs

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

    Make transit systems more user friendly for older adults by building more passenger shelters and wayfinding methods.

  2. Outdoor Spaces

    Increase awareness of existing parks and outdoor activities.

  3. Housing

    Address the housing needs of older adults by providing training for property managing of public and private housing.

Progress Report Download

Portland's age-friendly progress report focuses on the community's work to improve communication, walkability and opportunities for residents to age in place. The City undertook information sharing initiatives, including hosting community speaker series on disability and aging and a community summit and creating a guidebook of resources for older adults. To help residents get around, Portland launched a Complete Streets initiative, assessed the accessibility of its walkways and ramps, introduced winter sidewalk clearing assistance and educated older adults on their public transportation options. Housing affordability and aging in place were also priorities, with the City partnering with a local nonprofit that supports the Villages model.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Age-Friendly Portland (2022)

Portland, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2022

Project Category: Entrepreneurship and improved economic resilience

Description: This project piloted an age-friendly business designation in Portland. The designation encourages local businesses to adopt practices that accommodate older adult customers. Participating businesses receive a certificate, as well as window decals advertising their status as an age-friendly business. Additionally, the Ramp Up for Accessibility project provided portable ramps and wireless doorbells to business locations that are open to the public.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

American Institute of Architects Maine (2025)

Portland, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Housing Choice Design Competitions

Description: AIA Maine saw that many residents living in older homes needed clearer ways to plan for safe aging in place. Limited affordable options and uncertainty about how to adapt homes made it hard for people to understand their choices. The group hosted webinars on adaptable housing, aging in place and multigenerational design, then used its 207 HOME competition to surface practical ideas for one floor living and flexible layouts. Seventeen submissions highlighted ways older adults could remain safely housed while staying connected to their communities. A traveling exhibit will bring these examples to public venues and expand awareness. The competition also strengthened conversations with state partners about the housing needs of older adults. One collaborative team designed a series of small ADU style units to support shared living, and their enthusiasm reflected the value of generating ideas that can shape future policy and design.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

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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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]