Watch AARP MA's Designing Across Decades: Building Communities for Every Age

AARP is helping communities across the Commonwealth be great places for all ages. In October, AARP hosted two events to help cities and towns plan for the future. Right now, more the 120 communities in the Bay State and the entire Commonwealth of Massachusetts are part of the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities.

The conferences highlighted stakeholder engagement, housing policy, and crisis management. The aim is to equip leaders, policymakers, and advocates with the tools and knowledge necessary to navigate an increasingly complex and interconnected world.

The sessions explore how organizations can broaden their approach to stakeholder engagement, take a deep dive into recent housing legislation, analyzing its potential impacts on both current and future housing plans, and discuss strategies for anticipating and managing future crises.

According to AARP research, the vast majority of people age 50 and older are highly engaged in their communities and want to live in their homes and communities for as long as possible. The good news is that different generations – from boomers to millennials – want similar amenities where they live. This workshop shares key inclusive design tools and highlight proven examples to inspire leaders and advocates to make their communities great places for people of all ages.

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. 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.

Designing Across Decades- Hyannis

Hyannis: Expanding Stakeholder Universe
Eric Andrade of Groundwork Southcoast explores the evolving landscape of stakeholders in various sectors, particularly in business and government. It discusses how organizations can engage a broader range of stakeholders, including those traditionally marginalized or overlooked, to create more inclusive and sustainable strategies. The focus is on understanding the interests and influences of these stakeholders and how to incorporate their perspectives into decision-making processes.

Hyannis: Navigating New Legislation: The Housing Bill
Erin Perry of the Cape Cod Commission provides an overview of the recent Affordable Homes Act housing bill, focusing on its potential impact on current and future housing plans. It examines the key provisions of the bill, how it may influence housing policies, and what changes stakeholders in the housing sector might need to anticipate.

Hyannis: Unpacking the Affordable Homes Act
Jesse Kanson-Benanav, Executive Director of Abundant Housing Massachusetts gives an overview of the recent Affordable Homes Act housing bill, focusing on its potential impact on current and future housing plans.

Hyannis: Emergency Preparedness: Empowering Individuals for Resilience
Chip Reilly, Barnstable County Emergency Preparedness explores practical steps individuals can take to ensure safety and preparedness before, during, and after an emergency. The focus is on understanding local hazards, building essential emergency kits, and crafting comprehensive plans that address evacuation, medical needs, and communication. The session highlights proactive planning, personal resilience, and the importance of collaboration with local authorities. Through case studies and real-life examples, attendees will gain valuable insights on how to stay informed and prepare for various disaster scenarios, from hurricanes to health emergencies.

Northampton: Expanding Stakeholder Universe
This session explores the evolving landscape of stakeholders in various sectors, particularly in business and government. Lynne Feldman, LifePath and Meg Ryan, Franklin Regional Council of Governments discuss how organizations can engage a broader range of stakeholders, including those traditionally marginalized or overlooked, to create more inclusive and sustainable strategies. The focus is on understanding the interests and influences of these stakeholders and how to incorporate their perspectives into decision-making processes.

Northampton: Navigating New Legislation: The Housing Bill
This session provides an overview of the recent Affordable Homes Act housing bill. Becky Basch of Pioneer Valley Planning Commission focuses on its potential impact on current and future housing plans. It examines the key provisions of the bill, how it may influence housing policies, and what changes stakeholders in the housing sector might need to anticipate.

Northampton: Unpacking the Affordable Homes Act
Jesse Kanson-Benanav, Executive Director of Abundant Housing Massachusetts gives an overview of the recent Affordable Homes Act housing bill, focusing on its potential impact on current and future housing plans.