Our projects are guided by AARP’s Eight Domains of Livability.
Outdoor Spaces and Buildings
People need public places to gather — indoors and out. Green spaces, seating and accessible buildings (elevators, zero-step entrances, staircases with railings) can be used and enjoyed by people of all ages.
Our involvement
Planting trees
Winter Walk Audits
2. Transportation
Driving shouldn’t be the only way to get around. Pedestrians need sidewalks and safe, crossable streets. Dedicated bicycle lanes benefit nondrivers and drivers alike. Public transit options can range from the large-scale (trains, buses, light rail) to the small (taxis, shuttles or ride share services).
Our involvement
MAP Implementation
Downtowner - free transportation service around town for all
3. Housing
AARP surveys consistently find that the vast majority of older adults want to reside in their current home or community for as long as possible. Doing so is possible if a home is designed or modified for aging in place, or if a community has housing options that are suitable for differing incomes, ages and life stages.
Our involvement
Working with the town of Carbondale to implement Universal Design
4. Social Participation
Regardless of a person’s age, loneliness is often as debilitating a health condition as having a chronic illness or disease. Sadness and isolation can be combated by having opportunities to socialize and the availability of accessible, affordable and fun social activities.
Our involvement
Human Library
Senior Support Group at Carbondale Library
5. Respect and Social Inclusion
Everyone wants to feel valued. Intergenerational gatherings and activities are a great way for young and older people to learn from one another, honor what each has to offer and, at the same time, feel good about themselves.
Our involvement
Clothing drive for unhoused refugees with the town, Tru, Third Street Center, Methodist and other churches
One Town/One Table
Human Library
6. Work & Civic Engagement
Why does work need to be an all or nothing experience? An age-friendly community encourages older people to be actively engaged in community life and has opportunities for residents to work for pay or volunteer their skills.
What are we doing about it?
This Age-Friendly Carbondale non-profit.
Collection of other volunteer organizations
7. Communication and Information
We now communicate in ways few could have imagined a decade ago. Age-friendly communities recognize that information needs to be shared through a variety of methods since not everyone is tech-savvy, and not everyone has a smartphone or home-based access to the internet.
What are we doing about it?
Emergency Preparedness - collaborating with the fire department to develop a communications plan
8. Community and Health Services
At some point, every person of every age gets hurt, becomes ill or simply needs some help. While it’s important that assistance and care be available nearby, it’s essential that residents are able to access and afford the services required.
What are we doing about it?
Mask initiative during COVID to distribute locally made masks to the community
Push to allow people to get vaccinated in any county, not just where they resided.
Click the button to learn more about AARP’s eight domains to livability