Worcester, Massachusetts Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
5/5/2022

Lead Agency: Central Massachusetts Agency on Aging, Inc. (CMAA)

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

    Expand rural transportation options, including adding stops to the regional connector bus service.

  2. Housing

    Encourage development of affordable and subsidized housing by promoting property tax deferrals, tax work-off programs and property abatement. Support creation of missing middle housing units and prioritize features that enable aging in place and accessibility.

  3. Health and Community Services

    Facilitate telehealth access through technology training for residents and outreach to health providers on best practices for supporting older adults and people with disabilities.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Worcester Housing Authority (2024)

Worcester, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Digital navigation skills

Description: Older adults in Worcester public housing lacked affordable internet and digital skills, leaving them isolated and unable to access telehealth or manage benefits. The Senior Tech Savvy Pilot Program installed computers and Wi-Fi in community rooms and offered 12 classes for 120 residents. Eighty percent reported confidence using email and browsing safely, and 75% could now navigate health portals. With permanent access to technology and plans for ongoing classes, residents gained independence and security online. One participant said that now she didn't feel the same frustration and was confident enough to practice at home.

Worcester Common Ground Inc. (2025)

Worcester, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Pedestrian Safety

Description: This project will enhance safety and walkability along Pleasant Street by installing artistic crosswalks and wayfinding signage.

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

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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]