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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/26/24 by <b>Adrian Ramos, Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</title> <meta name="page_title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will" name="description"/> <meta content="Age, Friendly, Bay, State, Team, Effort" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/livable-wednesdays" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/an-agefriendly-bay-state-a-team-effort-ma-2024-06-26.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. We're doing everything we can to make your neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places to live for"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3665be3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1680x1080+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9c%2F90%2Ffbe88e5941b8a0b237e82460721d%2Fcharles-river-picture.png"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. We're doing everything we can to make your neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places to live for"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3665be3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1680x1080+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9c%2F90%2Ffbe88e5941b8a0b237e82460721d%2Fcharles-river-picture.png"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/26/24 by <b>Adrian Ramos, Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/26/24 by <b>Adrian Ramos, Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</title> <meta name="page_title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will" name="description"/> <meta content="Age, Friendly, Bay, State, Team, Effort" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/livable-wednesdays" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/an-agefriendly-bay-state-a-team-effort-ma-2024-06-26.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. We're doing everything we can to make your neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places to live for"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3665be3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1680x1080+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9c%2F90%2Ffbe88e5941b8a0b237e82460721d%2Fcharles-river-picture.png"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. We're doing everything we can to make your neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places to live for"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3665be3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1680x1080+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9c%2F90%2Ffbe88e5941b8a0b237e82460721d%2Fcharles-river-picture.png"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/26/24 by <b>Adrian Ramos, Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</title> <meta name="page_title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will" name="description"/> <meta content="Age, Friendly, Bay, State, Team, Effort" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/livable-wednesdays" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/an-agefriendly-bay-state-a-team-effort-ma-2024-06-26.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 54]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.head.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.root.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/26/24 by <b>Adrian Ramos, Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</title> <meta name="page_title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will" name="description"/> <meta content="Age, Friendly, Bay, State, Team, Effort" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/livable-wednesdays" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/an-agefriendly-bay-state-a-team-effort-ma-2024-06-26.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. 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We're doing everything we can to make your neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places to live for"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3665be3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1680x1080+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9c%2F90%2Ffbe88e5941b8a0b237e82460721d%2Fcharles-river-picture.png"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/26/24 by <b>Adrian Ramos, Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/26/24 by <b>Adrian Ramos, Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</title> <meta name="page_title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will" name="description"/> <meta content="Age, Friendly, Bay, State, Team, Effort" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/livable-wednesdays" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/an-agefriendly-bay-state-a-team-effort-ma-2024-06-26.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. We're doing everything we can to make your neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places to live for"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3665be3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1680x1080+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9c%2F90%2Ffbe88e5941b8a0b237e82460721d%2Fcharles-river-picture.png"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. We're doing everything we can to make your neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places to live for"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3665be3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1680x1080+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9c%2F90%2Ffbe88e5941b8a0b237e82460721d%2Fcharles-river-picture.png"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/26/24 by <b>Adrian Ramos, Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</title> <meta name="page_title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. 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Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children.
In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.
A livable community is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds.
AARP Livable Communities supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.
Livable Communities:
Walkable Streets
Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here.
Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.
A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here.
Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.
Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email: ma@aarp.org
Biking- Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change Click here
Community Gardens can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness. Click here to learn more
Public parks are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.
However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. Click here to learn more
The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The 8 Domains of Livability framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages.
1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings
2) Transportation
3) Housing
4) Social Participation
5) Respect and Social Inclusion
6) Work & Civic Engagement
7) Communication and Information
8) Community & Health Services
To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, click here.
This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the AARP Massachusetts page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/26/24 by <b>Adrian Ramos, Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</title> <meta name="page_title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will" name="description"/> <meta content="Age, Friendly, Bay, State, Team, Effort" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/livable-wednesdays" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/an-agefriendly-bay-state-a-team-effort-ma-2024-06-26.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. We're doing everything we can to make your neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places to live for"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3665be3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1680x1080+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9c%2F90%2Ffbe88e5941b8a0b237e82460721d%2Fcharles-river-picture.png"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. 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By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</title> <meta name="page_title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. 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}' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/springfield-ma/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Springfield, MA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/springfield-ma/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/26/24 by <b>Adrian Ramos, Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</title> <meta name="page_title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will" name="description"/> <meta content="Age, Friendly, Bay, State, Team, Effort" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/livable-wednesdays" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/an-agefriendly-bay-state-a-team-effort-ma-2024-06-26.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. We're doing everything we can to make your neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places to live for"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3665be3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1680x1080+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9c%2F90%2Ffbe88e5941b8a0b237e82460721d%2Fcharles-river-picture.png"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. We're doing everything we can to make your neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places to live for"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3665be3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1680x1080+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9c%2F90%2Ffbe88e5941b8a0b237e82460721d%2Fcharles-river-picture.png"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/26/24 by <b>Adrian Ramos, Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</title> <meta name="page_title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/26/24 by <b>Adrian Ramos, Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</title> <meta name="page_title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will" name="description"/> <meta content="Age, Friendly, Bay, State, Team, Effort" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/livable-wednesdays" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/an-agefriendly-bay-state-a-team-effort-ma-2024-06-26.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. We're doing everything we can to make your neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places to live for"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3665be3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1680x1080+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9c%2F90%2Ffbe88e5941b8a0b237e82460721d%2Fcharles-river-picture.png"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. 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By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</title> <meta name="page_title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will" name="description"/> <meta content="Age, Friendly, Bay, State, Team, Effort" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/livable-wednesdays" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/an-agefriendly-bay-state-a-team-effort-ma-2024-06-26.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. We're doing everything we can to make your neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places to live for"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3665be3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1680x1080+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9c%2F90%2Ffbe88e5941b8a0b237e82460721d%2Fcharles-river-picture.png"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. 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}' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/springfield-ma/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Springfield, MA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/springfield-ma/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118
Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");
$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/26/24 by <b>Adrian Ramos, Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</title> <meta name="page_title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will" name="description"/> <meta content="Age, Friendly, Bay, State, Team, Effort" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/livable-wednesdays" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/an-agefriendly-bay-state-a-team-effort-ma-2024-06-26.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. 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We're doing everything we can to make your neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places to live for"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3665be3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1680x1080+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9c%2F90%2Ffbe88e5941b8a0b237e82460721d%2Fcharles-river-picture.png"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/26/24 by <b>Adrian Ramos, Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/26/24 by <b>Adrian Ramos, Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</title> <meta name="page_title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will" name="description"/> <meta content="Age, Friendly, Bay, State, Team, Effort" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/livable-wednesdays" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/an-agefriendly-bay-state-a-team-effort-ma-2024-06-26.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. We're doing everything we can to make your neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places to live for"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3665be3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1680x1080+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9c%2F90%2Ffbe88e5941b8a0b237e82460721d%2Fcharles-river-picture.png"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. We're doing everything we can to make your neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places to live for"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3665be3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1680x1080+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9c%2F90%2Ffbe88e5941b8a0b237e82460721d%2Fcharles-river-picture.png"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/26/24 by <b>Adrian Ramos, Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</title> <meta name="page_title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 06/26/24 by <b>Adrian Ramos, Ted Carey</b> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</title> <meta name="page_title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will" name="description"/> <meta content="Age, Friendly, Bay, State, Team, Effort" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/livable-wednesdays" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/an-agefriendly-bay-state-a-team-effort-ma-2024-06-26.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. We're doing everything we can to make your neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places to live for"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3665be3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1680x1080+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9c%2F90%2Ffbe88e5941b8a0b237e82460721d%2Fcharles-river-picture.png"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. 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By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. <br><br>In Massachusetts, the 60-plus group comprised 24 percent of the population in 2020. Adults 60 and over in Massachusetts will soon eclipse the under-20 age cohort for the first time in recorded history. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues we face.<br><br>A <b><u>livable community</u></b> is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. <br><br><b>AARP Livable Communities</b> supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. We believe that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life.<br><br><b>Livable Communities:</b><br></p><ul><li>Enhance personal independence;</li><li>Allow residents to remain in their homes and communities as they age; and</li><li>Provide opportunities for residents of all ages, ability levels, and backgrounds to engage fully in civic, economic, and social life.</li></ul><p class="cms-textAlign-left"><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Walkable Streets</h2></span></span></p><p>Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. <b>In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. </b>To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here</b></a></span></span>. <br><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Housing Options</h2></span></span><p>Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/housing/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-HSNG" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.</b></a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Transportation</h2></span></span><p>A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/ppi/issues/livable-communities/transportation/?intcmp=AE-PPI-LIVCOMM-TERTNAV-TRSNP" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here. </b></a></span></span><br><br><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/iwant2volunteer" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Want to get more involved with our Livable Communities work? Volunteer with AARP Massachusetts today, just click here.</b></a></span></span><br><br><i>Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email:</i><b> </b> <span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="mailto:ma@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">ma@aarp.org</a></span></span><br></p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><h2 class="inline-heading">Other Issue Areas</h2></span></span><p><b>Biking-</b> <i>Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-bike-audit-tool-kit/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><i>Click here</i></b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Community Gardens<i> </i></b><i>can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness</i>.<span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2023/creating-community-gardens.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b> Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><b>Public parks </b><i>are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income.</i><br><i>However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. </i><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/tool-kits-resources/info-2018/livable-parks-guide.html?cmp=RDRCT-56faa419-20200401" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>Click here to learn more</b></a></span></span><br><br><br><br></p><div class="Enhancement" data-align-center > <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"> <img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/12/c3/3efe96e6476f89ad7e056cf913d8/8-domains-graphic.png" alt="8 domains graphic.png" width="600" height="400"/> </figure> </div> </div><p><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>8 Domains of Livability</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>:</u> </b><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-left">The availability and quality of these community features impact the well-being of older adults - and help make communities more livable for people of all ages. The <b>8 Domains of Livability</b> framework is used by many of the towns, cities, counties and states enrolled in the<b> </b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b>AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities</b></a></span></span><b> </b>to organize and prioritize their work to become more livable for both older residents and people of all ages. </p><p><b>1) Outdoor Spaces & Buildings</b><br><br><b>2) Transportation</b><br><br><b>3) Housing</b><br><br><b>4) Social Participation</b><br><br><b>5) Respect and Social Inclusion</b><br><br><b>6) Work & Civic Engagement</b><br><br><b>7) Communication and Information</b><br><br><b>8) Community & Health Services</b><br><br><br><br><b><u>To learn more about the 8 Domains of Livability, </u></b><span class="Enhancement" ><span class="Enhancement-item"><a class="Link" href="https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/livable-communities/age-friendly-network/2021/8-Domains-of-Livability-022021.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><b><u>click here</u></b></a></span></span><b><u>.</u></b><br><br><br><br></p><p class="cms-textAlign-center"></p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Massachusetts. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank">AARP Massachusetts</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0b423-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr66da8fdf0c305-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?> <style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style>', 'css' => '.recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px} .recommenadationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:rgb(221,18,0); font-size:12px} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px} ', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><style type="text/css"> .recommenationSection {font-family: Lato, sans-serif} .recommendationSection h3 {font-size:30px!important; text-transform:none; letter-spacing:0.03em} .recommendationSection .js-mvc-offer-recommended-article-pack-category {color:#dd1200; font-family:Lato, sans-serif; font-size:15px; font-weight:700; text-transform:uppercase; margin:0} .recommendationSection h4 a {color:#121212; font-size:20px; font-weight:700} .recommendationSection .uxdia-c-featured-tile__content-wrapper {padding: 0 0 .5em 0; margin-bottom: 1.25em; border-bottom: 1px solid #000} </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-SPRINGFIELD-MA">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Massachusetts Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Massachusetts</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MA@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MA@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/massachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Massachusetts</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact-aarp-massachusetts/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-SPRINGFIELD-MA" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/aarpmassachusetts/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Instagram"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/icon-ig.png" alt="Instagram icon" title="Instagram icon" style="height: 49px;"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort</title> <meta name="page_title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will" name="description"/> <meta content="Age, Friendly, Bay, State, Team, Effort" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/massachusetts/livable-wednesdays" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/an-agefriendly-bay-state-a-team-effort-ma-2024-06-26.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. We're doing everything we can to make your neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places to live for"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3665be3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1680x1080+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9c%2F90%2Ffbe88e5941b8a0b237e82460721d%2Fcharles-river-picture.png"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="An Age-Friendly Bay State, A Team Effort"/> <meta property="og:description" content="AARP Massachusetts is advocating for you. We're doing everything we can to make your neighborhoods, towns, cities, and rural areas great places to live for"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/3665be3/2147483647/strip/true/crop/1680x1080+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F9c%2F90%2Ffbe88e5941b8a0b237e82460721d%2Fcharles-river-picture.png"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $title_for_layout = '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = ' :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }' $highlighting = '' $location = '<a href="/springfield-ma/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Springfield, MA</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/springfield-ma/happenings/">News Feed</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/springfield-ma/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/springfield-ma/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to News Feed', 'slug' => 'happenings' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118