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The Neponset River Regional Chamber was recently approved to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities
and the World Health Organization Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities. Wow, what does that mean? Basically, we will be leading an effort to empower each of the communities in our region to achieve recognition as an "Age Friendly Community". As our population ages, there are a number of ways that communities and businesses can adapt their way of doing things to accommodate an older population. The Chamber's Elder Care Alliance has recognized that it has a unique opportunity to positively impact the communities where its members both live and work. The Alliance, has for a decade provided information and education on aging, and access to supports and services, including their recently completed "Aging with Dignity" video series. The Town of Norwood has agreed to partner with the Chamber as the first community to move forward on this initiative (Dedham and Stoughton have already become "Age Friendly" on their own). Over time, with help from the members of the Elder Care Alliance, we hope to include all of our towns. In the coming months the Chamber will engage with various stakeholders within the town of Norwood and local businesses to begin identifying the best ways to address the 8 areas of focus that define an age-friendly community as outlined by AARP. The Chamber sees this opportunity as the next step in changing the landscape, and to provide a level of connection between the business community, municipal leaders and older adults that has not yet been developed. We are excited by the possibilities with our communities and members to advance the overall livability and health of our communities. To our knowledge we are the first Chamber in the country to lead such an effort. To learn more or to find out how you can participate, contact Elder Care Alliance chairperson, Sheryl Leary or myself . Tom O'Rourke President and CEO Comments are closed.
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