Pictures of Age-Friendly Places and Programs
Here's a quick look at what's been happening in some of the cities and towns that belong to the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities
by Melissa Stanton, AARP Livable Communities
-
Photo courtesy PSRC
Princeton, New Jersey
A partnership of Princeton public schools and the Princeton Senior Resource Center, the GrandPals program enables older adult volunteers and local Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders to spend time together reading and talking.
1 of 14 -
Photo courtesy Westchester County
Westchester County, NY
Before the county's public swimming pools open for the summer, residents age 60 and older get to spend several hours poolside with their peers and, if they choose, their young grandchildren, for a pool party and barbeque.
2 of 14 -
Photo courtesy AARP Oregon
Portland, Oregon
To get more people walking for their health, AARP Oregon, Oregon Walks and the City of Portland Bureau of Transportation host guided neighborhood tours called "NeighborWalks."
3 of 14 -
Photo by Susan Williams, AARP Texas
Klyde Warren Park, Dallas, Texas
A large green space that sits atop the highway that passes through downtown Dallas, the 5.2-acre Klyde Warren Park is a gathering place and playground for people of all ages.
4 of 14 -
Photo by Greg Harber
Birmingham, Alabama
"This ride is for everyone," declares Le Tour de Ham, a "slow biking" group that meets for Tuesday evening rides around Birmingham. "No spandex or fancy bike required. We travel 10 miles in a basically flat ride."
5 of 14 -
Photo courtesy AARP California
Los Angeles, California
The "Soul Stepper" program hosted by AARP California encourages healthy living with weekly group walks and free exercise sessions at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza mall. The gatherings kick off at 6 o'clock — in the morning!
6 of 14 -
Photo courtesy AARP DC
Washington, D.C.
Bike lanes and shares are popping up all over the District. Retired executive Ron Swanda, 69, rides his hybrid bicycle 20 miles a week, including to his volunteer gigs at AARP DC and on the Mayor's Age-Friendly DC Task Force.
7 of 14 -
Photo courtesy AARP Texas
Fort Worth, Texas
In 2014, consultants from the Walkable and Livable Communities Institute joined AARP staff, volunteers and Fort Worth community leaders to conduct a walk audit and brainstorm solutions for creating pedestrian-friendlier neighborhoods.
8 of 14 -
Photo courtesy City of Cleveland
Cleveland, Ohio
Attendees of the annual Cleveland Senior Walk receive free health screenings, flu shots, lunch and healthy snacks. Participants can walk for one mile or two. Other activities are featured on the Age-Friendly Cleveland Virtual Tour.
9 of 14 -
Photo courtesy City of Macon-Bibb
Macon-Bibb, Georgia
Among Macon-Bibb's many age-friendly efforts and updates is this shady seating area, located at the corner of Cherry and First streets, so pedestrians in the city's walkable downtown can both cool off and rest their feet.
10 of 14 -
Photo courtesy City of Denver
Denver, Colorado
The annual Seniors in September event showcases the city services that support older adults in Denver. The gathering is held at the Denver Museum of Art and features resources and workshops.
11 of 14 -
Photo courtesy Fresh Start Community Garden
Newport, Vermont
Newport is a city of 4,700 in the Northeast Kingdom, a region with high poverty and obesity rates. With fresh produce difficult for many residents to afford, volunteers organized and planted an intergenerational community garden
12 of 14 -
Photo by Doug McBride
Des Moines, Iowa
Having places to go is important for people to stay engaged, socialize and not feel isolated. Age-friendly enterainment options in Des Moines include concerts, stage shows and movies at the Simon Estes Riverfront Amphitheater.
13 of 14 -
Photo provided by AARP Vermont
Way to Go!
Wayfinding signage (like that displayed in Newport, Vermont) helps residents and visitors navigate in a community. Learn more about the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities and see its current member list.
14 of 14
Stay Informed — For Free!
The weekly, award-winning AARP Livable Communities e-Newsletter provides local leaders with information and inspiration for making their town, city or neighborhood more livable for older adults and people of all ages. Subscribe today!
AARP.org/Livable
Enter a topic, name, place, etc.
See past issues: Visit our newsletter archive »
Our Free Publications!
See the complete list at AARP.org/LivableLibrary
Follow Us
- X: @AARPLivable
- Facebook: @AARPLivableCommunities
Contact Us
- Email AARP Livable Communities at Livable@AARP.org.
- Ask about the AARP Livability Index by completing this online form.
- AARP Members: For questions about your benefits, AARP The Magazine or the AARP Bulletin, visit the AARP Contact Us page or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277).