West Memphis Becomes Arkansas’ Second AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities

In a letter dated March 17, AARP Executive Vice President – Community, State and National Affairs Nancy LeaMond congratulates West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon on his city’s induction into the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. West Memphis is the 975th community enrolled in the program and only the second in The Natural State. The AARP age-friendly network encourages states, counties, cities, towns and rural areas to prepare for the rapid aging of our nation’s population by providing a structured process that guides change and serves as a catalyst to educate, encourage, promote and recognize improvements that benefit residents of all ages and life stages.

On Thursday, April 17, Mayor McClendon was joined by AARP Arkansas State Director Ashley McBride, AARP Arkansas staff and volunteers, along with Pastor Arlen Parham of I’m A Part Missionary Baptist Church and IAP Ministries, a 501(c)(3), to kick off West Memphis’ participation in the Age-Friendly network.

“It was my pleasure to sign a proclamation declaring the city of West Memphis as part of the Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities,” said Mayor McClendon. “The community has spoken and expressed their desire to prepare for the future when there will be more retirees than there are people under age 18.”

“By 2035, it is predicted that the population of people 65-plus will outnumber those under 18,” said McBride. “This is something that affects us all, from those looking at the caregiving crisis anticipated by fewer people in the workforce to those who are planning their financial futures in retirement based on Social Security. Communities like West Memphis will be a step ahead by looking at issues such as housing, transportation and walkability. AARP’s age-friendly platform, as part of our Livable Communities programming, provides a roadmap for success.”

“When my friends, local AARP volunteers, shared the benefits of joining AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, I knew I wanted to open our church’s doors to provide a place for people to gather and work towards a better West Memphis,” said Pastor Parham. “We are looking forward to forming our age-friendly commission and working with Mayor McClendon.”

“We are looking forward to working with the City of West Memphis, Pastor Parham, and those in the community who are passionate about improving the lives of people 50-plus,” said Patricia Fry, Associate State Director – Community Outreach and Engagement, AARP Arkansas. “One of the first steps is to listen to the concerns of the community and that’s exactly what we plan to do on May 20, at our Community Listening Session.”

The Community Listening Session is intended for West Memphis and surrounding communities, where residents can come together to visit with city officials and livable community experts. The Tuesday, May 20, event starts at 11 a.m. at the West Memphis Public Library, 500 E. Broadway Blvd., West Memphis. A light lunch will be served. Topics will range from safer streets and walkways to better public transportation and access to housing. Register for the listening session at https://events.aarp.org/listening or call the event registration number at 877-926-8300.