The AARP recently welcomed the Town of Brookline into the nation-wide Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. Network members demonstrate on-going commitment to provide robust services and programs that ensure their communities are livable for residents in all life stages.
Through this association, Brookline stakeholders and citizens can participate in discussions with representatives from like-minded communities and access the Livable Communities newsletter. They can also view videos, and request publications on topics such as making a home accessible, developing age-friendly parks and walkways, and preparing for emergency situations.
As part of the process, Brookline has agreed to address eight fundamental aspects of municipal livability identified by the World Health Organization (WHO). These are outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and inclusion, communication and information, and community and health services.
The initiative is spearheaded by the Brookline Council on Aging (COA) and Brookline Community Aging Network (BrooklineCAN). The COA sponsors the Senior Center and provides a host of services, programs, and support to older adults and their families.
According to Ruthann Dobek, COA Director, “We were so proud that Brookline was the first New England community recognized into the World Health Organization’s Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities in 2012. The AARP designation further highlights our commitment to providing top-notch age-friendly services. Being an Age-Friendly Community involves a continuous process of identifying areas of need and opportunities for development.”
The Town’s all-volunteer BrooklineCAN plays a key role in this project. BrooklineCAN focuses on maintaining and improving the experience of those living in this town. Its members serve both as advocates and resources for older adults.
Bernard Greene, Brookline Select Board Chair said that “Inclusion in AARP’s nation-wide Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities is very important to Brookline. As the Town’s elderly population has grown to over 20% we must strengthen our commitment to maintaining an environment that meets the needs of residents as they enter the later years of their lives. We must also commit to including elderly residents or their representatives in Town decisions-making so that their views and needs are not overlooked. This recognition by AARP will help further to engage the entire community in that effort.”
The WHO organizes an international collective of locales that are dedicated to increasing age-friendly features of their areas and connecting with similar communities to share information and resources. People interested in getting involved in this initiative are welcome to attend meetings of Brookline’s Age Friendly Cities Committee, held on the second Tuesday of each month via Zoom at 1:00 PM.
For more information and to get involved, contact Ruthann Dobek at rdobek@brooklinema.gov or 617-730-2756.