Community

Though retired from a business management consulting career, Mari Okabayashi stays active as a champion for older persons and volunteer for AARP in Houston. This month, Okabayashi accepted a two-year appointment to serve on the AARP Texas Executive Council.

By Charlene Hunter James

Austin is one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the nation, with a population of more than 930,000. Like other Texas cities, it’s car-focused, which means frequently long commutes and roadway congestion.

On Thursday evening, Nov. 17, AARP Texas will host a public forum in Austin featuring local and national experts discussing strategies for Texas communities to become even more accessible, comfortable and safe for people of all ages.

Many older LGBT citizens face difficulties getting proper medical treatment. Some live alone due to fear of discrimination. Others can find it hard to settle into nursing homes because of potential mistreatment.

Austin enjoys a reputation as a young city. It’s also among the fastest-growing areas for people 55 and older. City leaders are taking the growth trend seriously. On Thursday, the Austin City Council approved a plan to help people “age in place.”

Every year, Sept. 15 marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. For 30 days, the nation comes alive with the sounds of Latin music, cultural murals, and events that celebrate the contributions and accomplishments of Hispanic people throughout history. When the observance began in 1968, it only lasted for one week. It wasn’t until 1988 that the celebration expanded to 30 days.

With people staying healthy and active longer, communities have to adapt. There’ll be need for more safe, walkable streets, better housing and transportation options, and opportunities for civic engagement. The AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities gives cities guidance on how to reach their goals in becoming great places for people of all ages.

AARP invites Texans to kick off National Hispanic Heritage Month in San Antonio Sept. 15 with a guided bus tour of the historic San Antonio Missions, where Native Americans lived and worked in the 1700s. The tour is one of several free events during the month-long celebration.

AARP Texas is proud to announce and welcome Melodía Gutiérrez to the Association’s Dallas-Fort Worth team. Gutiérrez, an AARP associate state director of outreach and advocacy, is leading AARP’s work in Fort Worth and surrounding areas.