Community

We know that it takes time to build great communities. But we also believe that tangible improvements can spark long-term change. AARP launched the Community Challenge grant program in 2017 to fund projects that build momentum to improve livability nationwide. We are excited to announce the program is back in 2024 for its eighth year and is currently accepting applications online through March 6, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT.

by Marguerite Ro, AARP Washington State Director

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2009 at the age of 57, Bill Meyer of Spokane went on the offensive using his love of the outdoors to help others. In 2016, he founded PasstoPass, a non-profit helping people with Parkinson’s to continue backpacking and hiking as a form of symptom mitigation. Starting with just one hike in 2016, the effort has grown to six regional chapters and a total of 7,549 cumulative miles hiked.

After a hiatus triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, AARP Washington’s Day with the Seattle Mariners is back.

Washington state had a wild winter this year. And although it’s now history, have you ever thought about how weather has shaped history? That’s just one topic on deck at the next One Day University in Seattle.

AARP Chapter #384 members, pictured left to right, Herb Daul, Vice President; Gerry Giles, Treasurer; Bob Seamons, Secretary; and Kathy Fleming, President.

The pandemic has taken an extremely heavy toll on residents of nursing homes and other long term care facilities. This period of prolonged isolation has caused declines in physical, cognitive, and emotional health. There is an antidote!

No matter where you are in the caregiver journey, these local agencies and organizations can help make the process easier

I encourage anyone who wants to feel better to simply get into the water—whether it is your local pool, a lake, or the ocean. You will find that water heals and refreshes like nothing else.

AARP Washington is part of a Social Isolation Work Group trying creative approaches to reaching lonely people, including a laptop lending library, virtual coffee klatches, and robotic pets.