Westhampton, Massachusetts Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
3/18/2019

Lead Agency: Northern Hilltowns Consortium of Councils on Aging

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. Communication and Information

    Expand virtual community programming, such as exercise and educational classes and entertainment options through the expansion of broadband throughout the region.

  2. Health and Community Services

    Eliminate food insecurity by evaluating and reviwing local sites developed to provide free or low cost food and "pick up meals to older adults.

  3. Civic Participation and Employment

    Recruit local residents in rural areas as paraprofessionals in their won communities, creating community cohesion and a larger pool of professional caregivers in less urban places.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Pioneer Valley Transit Authority (2018)

Springfield, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2018

Project Category: Public or private transit access

Description: A lack of benches represented a barrier to older adults using Springfield's public transit system. To make waiting for the bus a more comfortable experience, the Pioneer Valley Transit Authority worked with the local parks and public works departments to install ten benches throughout the city. The Authority engaged residents to inform each bench's aesthetics and placement. They tailored the amenities based on each location's historical and design context. In Court Square -- a neighborhood dating to 1636 -- they installed Victorian-style benches. Elsewhere, they chose a more modern look. Organizers hope the new seating encourages people of all ages and abilities to use public transportation.

WalkMassachusetts (2023)

Springfield, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2023

Project Category: Engaging people in transportation options/safety

Description: The grant will fund a walk audit training program to teach residents how to recognize hazardous conditions in their communities and advocate for changes to make streets safer.

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

LEARN MORE AND STAY INFORMED

Find articles and resources about making communities more livable for people of all ages

Visit AARP.ORG/LIVABLE
people icon

Download or order free publications from AARP Livable Communities

Check out the Livable Library
download icon

Sign up for the free, weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities eNewsletter

Subscribe now!
mail icon

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 Massachusetts State Office

One Beacon Street
Suite 2301
Boston, MA 02108
United States

Phone: 866-448-3621
Fax: 617-723-4224
Email: [email protected]