SWAMPSCOTT — The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) of Massachusetts awarded an Action Plan Certificate to the town on Thursday, approving it for an All Ages’s year-one action plan.
The Swampscott for All Ages Committee has 32 members, with Robert Powell and Heidi Joan Whear serving as co-chairs. The plan, which was drafted in 2021, sets out several goals to make the town a more accessible place to live for people of all ages — including senior citizens. Notable agenda items include producing a “Stay Connected” webinar series, creating a volunteer telephone-outreach program to assist residents over 60 during the COVID-19 pandemic and establishing Swampscott as a dementia-friendly community, enhancing communications through Facebook.
“The action plan gives our committee a roadmap to help us realize our mission of making Swampscott a more livable community for all residents to grow up and grow older together,” said Powell.
The year-one action plan references a 2019 Needs Assessment performed by the University of Massachusetts Boston Center for Social and Demographic Research for the Swampscott for All Ages Committee. The assessment utilizes demographic and survey data to develop services and initiatives designed to serve Swampscott’s aging community.
According to the 2020 census report, 18.8 percent of Swampscott’s population is 65 and older.
The action plan focuses on the eight domains of what constitutes an age-friendly community — outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information and community and health services.
Transportation was a particular issue highlighted in the action report, with 40 percent of survey respondents who reported walking or biking as modes of transportation, 45 percent of respondents who reported being dissatisfied with sidewalk quality and 30 percent who were dissatisfied with lighting along walkways.
Swampscott became a member of the AARP Network of the Age-Friendly States and Communities in 2019, and had up to two years to complete a community assessment and develop a community action plan. This is required for any town or city to be accepted into the AARP community.
State Director for AARP of Massachusetts Mike Festa said Swampscott’s action plan sets down important goals for age accessibility in transportation and housing and he looks forward to what the town can do as part of the AARP community.
“We welcome Swampscott to the network and look forward to their progress in ensuring safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for Swampscott residents of all ages to participate in community life,” said Festa.
Additionally, Swampscott for All Ages will be starting work on its year-two plan soon, which will expand upon the goals of the first action plan. The year-two plan is expected to be released at the end of the year.
