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Making Massachusetts Even More More Livable For People Of All Ages
Approximately 45 million Americans are age 65 or older. By 2030, that number will reach 73 million Americans. At that point, fully one in five Americans will be older than 65. By 2034, the United States will —for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children.
In Massachusetts 1.7 million adults over the age of 60 call the Bay State home nearly a quarter of our population. As the aging population of Massachusetts continues to grow, so does concern over unique issues the aging population faces.
A livable community is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around. And it serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds.
Walkable Streets
Walkability is also a crucial factor when it comes to a community being livable and age-friendly. How walkable is your community? Can you walk safely with crosswalks, speed limits, and properly timed walk signs? In many places, these crucial features are missing. In Massachusetts, alarming data reveals an average of 70 pedestrian deaths annually: reaching 101 in 2022 alone. To address this, walk audits step in. Walk audits involve residents & local leaders gathering to document car speed, traffic light/walk sign intervals, and more. These small steps have encouraged big adjustments in community walkability and safety. Scroll below to learn more about walkability. Access the award-winning AARP Walk Audit toolkit here.
Housing Options
Housing affordability determines whether individuals and families can live in a neighborhood without sacrificing other basic necessities such as health care. Low-income individuals and people living on a fixed income feel the effects of the nation’s affordable housing crisis acutely. Communities with a variety of housing options attract households of diverse sizes and income levels. They also support an individual’s choice to age in their home, in the community or in assisted living. Learn more about housing issues and check out AARP publications relating to housing.
Transportation
A variety of safe, affordable, dependable and user-friendly travel options enables people of all ages to stay active and engaged in their communities. For some, regular, fixed-route public transportation services are ideal; for others, because of health, disability status or geography, more personalized services — such as paratransit, dial-a-ride, reduced-fare taxis or rides in private vehicles available through volunteer driver programs — are needed. Learn more about transportation issues and check out AARP publications about transportation here.
Need help in your community, send AARP Massachusetts an email: ma@aarp.org
Other Issue Areas
Biking- Learn how to assess and report on the safety and bikeability of a street, intersection or neighborhood and inspire needed change Click here
Community Gardens can improve the health of residents, foster economic development, combat social isolation, relieve food insecurity, improve public safety, encourage inclusion and enhance community connectedness. Click here to learn more
Public parks are important places for building a sense of community and social belonging. They are spaces that belong to everyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion or income. However, the way parks are designed and maintained may not reflect the purpose and promise of such uniquely public spaces. Click here to learn more
AARP Community Challenge Grants
To help make communities even more livable, every year AARP launches the AARP Community Challenge program. AARP provides grants that focus on tangible change, community engagement. The quick-action timeline helps selected grantees fast-track ideas and replicate promising practices.
Since 2017, AARP has invested $24.3 million in over 2,100 projects nationwide—including 57 right here in Massachusetts. These grants have helped communities of all sizes become more
The 2026 Application session has closed. We'll be announcing the grantees in June.
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