Making DC neighborhoods more livable

The District of Columbia has a very important opportunity to become what is called an Age-Friendly City.

 

Mayor Gray has has agreed to pilot a project with AARP Age-Friendly Communities to make our city more age friendly.  To help move toward that goal,  the city recently held a city-wide symposium where AARP DC volunteers and other citizens learned about ten areas of city life being examined in order to prepare a plan that will make DC one of the most livable communities for residents of any age.  Those areas are community support and health services, transportation, social participation, housing, resilient DC-working with seniors to build resilience to disasters, civic participation and employment,, respect and social inclusion,  communication and information,  outdoor spaces and buildings, and elder abuse and fraud.

 

In a recent survey of AARP volunteers, who live in various sections of the District,  we learned that there are gaps between what is and what they want to see in their neighborhoods.  Residents wanted more entertainment and culture, trustworthy contractors to make home repairs, and safer streets.  You can share your ideas online about how to improve the city at https://www.research.net/s/Age-friendyCommunity.

The DC State Office is also working with the faith community to gather input from congregations at churches, temples and synagogues in the District.  Also, watch for announcements about AARP community meetings where you can share your opinions.

Over the next year and a half, AARP will continue reaching out to DC residents like you to find out how to make your neighborhoods more age friendly, and we will share you thoughts and feelings with Mayor Gray; Dr. John Thompson and his staff at the DC Office on Aging,  DC councilmembers and other city officials.

We can work together to help make our city everything we want it to be.