Mari Okabayashi, Improving Houston for All Ages

In a big city like Houston, where many residents depend on their vehicles, it can be difficult to find safe sidewalks. Volunteer Mari Okabayashi is working with AARP to make Houston a more walkable community for people of all ages.

Older Houstonians benefit from safe crosswalks and walking paths, as do parents with small children.

“For the past two years, AARP in Houston has been building connections in communities that will ensure that as Houston continues to grow, it will be a world class city where people of all ages can live, work, play, and thrive,” says Tina Tran, who oversees AARP’s outreach and advocacy in Houston and other Texas cities.

Mari decided to join AARP because the Association’s projects align with the joy she finds in helping senior citizens--and they inspire her.

“It’s a good plan for seniors as they age notably with an influx of baby boomers and those who are retiring so they can age in place,” she says.

Making Houston more walkable promotes physical activity, which keeps the mind sharp, can strengthen bones and lowers the chance of illnesses such as heart disease. In addition to making communities healthier, there are economic benefits such as raising property values.

“Mari has played an integral role as AARP’s volunteer liaison on the Complete Streets Coalition. She not only represents the voice of AARP members, but also the voice of the 50-plus in Houston,” says Shondra Wygal, who co-leads AARP’s work in Houston. “The passion and knowledge she brings to the table has been truly invaluable."

As a volunteer for the past seven years, Mari has volunteered through state legislative sessions, for congressional district hearings, at community events and during local city council hearings.

Mari has also publicly weighed in on many important issues such as the future of Social Security and low-income Texans struggling with electricity bills. Her tireless efforts have earned her accolades as diverse as the Harris County Area Agency on Aging Recognition Award and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Top Hand Award for Committeemen’s Club.

It's National Volunteer Month, and we're profiling just a handful of our amazing AARP volunteers right here in Texas. Read about more of their terrific work.