Livable Communities

Each Friday during the legislative session, AARP Oregon will post the testimony given to the Oregon State Legislature on pending bills. We are working with our appointed volunteers to make sure the needs and interests of people 50+ are well represented. We make our policy decisions based on policy approved by the AARP Board of Directors. Click here for our AARP policy guides.

Kim and her husband Aaron Knight on vacation at the Pittock Mansion in Portland

What happens when you can no longer drive or get out of the home? What happens when doing the simple things that help us remain independent, like getting to the store for weekly groceries, becomes a major challenge? According to AARP research, 90% of people ages 45+ say they want to remain in their own home as long as possible. But being able to live independently is a challenge for many older adults and people with disabilities. That is where an organization like Store to Door comes in! AARP Oregon has been working with Store to Door’s Executive Director Kiersten Ware and her team this year on our food security outreach efforts and we have become great fans of their work. We asked Kiersten about her non-profit in a recent interview.

Staying healthy and vibrant was the theme from our Vital Aging Conference in Eugene this November. But if you missed it, we've posted the agenda along with websites to most of the sessions.

By Michele Scheib, AARP Oregon Volunteer

By Michele Scheib, AARP Volunteer

Did you know that a typical pair of sneakers will last 500 miles? Put a few miles on those walking shoes and join AARP for a series of guided walks in Portland-area neighborhoods called NeighborWalks.

By Elaine Friesen-Strang

Chances are good you’ve settled comfortably into your home and aren’t planning to rent a moving van any day soon. AARP surveys consistently show that people 50+ wanted to stay in their current homes as long as possible; but research also indicates that often the homes we live in may not meet your changing needs. Does your home have stairs? How wide are those doors and hallways? How accessible are your bathrooms? Whether you are planning to stay or are considering moving, planning ahead now will serve you well in the future.