Saco, Maine Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
4/22/2016

Lead Agency: Age Friendly Saco

Non-profit

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

    Broaden access to transportation for older adults and add new, alternative transportation options like a "shopping shuttle" and ride sharing.

  2. Outdoor Spaces

    Improve beach access for older adults by adding more wheelchair and walker accessibility.

  3. Housing

Progress Report Download

Saco's progress report describes the community's efforts to increase transportation options, help residents remain in the community as they age, and ensure community members can access health care, healthy food and opportunities to connect with one another. The Town has worked to offer a volunteer driver program to transport older adults to medical appointments, with plans to expand in the future. An online homesharing platform helps homeowners looking for roommates connect with others looking for a room to rent. Additionally, the Town has hosted home improvement workshops aimed at keeping older adults in their homes and has rolled out property tax relief measures. New services, including food assistance and medical device loaning closets, aim to keep residents healthy. Saco's age-friendly initiative has also worked to make the town's beach more accessible and offer community garden plots to locals.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Age-Friendly Saco (2018)

Saco, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Accessibility of amenities

Description: Saco is a coastal community with seven miles of sandy beaches. Until recently, there was no beach access for people using wheelchairs or other mobility devices. That changed thanks to the purchase and installation of three ADA-compliant beach mats. The mats run from a parking lot to the high tide mark, as well as parallel to the beach. Grant funding from AARP also helped Saco attract a donation from the local Rotary Club to purchase a beach wheelchair and beach walker. Lifeguards manage and loan out the accessibility equipment.

Age-Friendly Saco (2023)

Saco, ME

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Transportation Systems Change

Description: This project will provide a flexible shuttle service as a transportation option for older residents in the region, helping them to shop for groceries, attend social events and run errands.

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]