Community Members Are Invited to an Age- and Dementia-Friendly Conversation

written by Lynne Feldman | June 2, 2023

LifePath, together with its partner Franklin Regional Council of Governments, is leading an initiative towards helping our area become more age- and dementia-friendly. Community members are invited to an in-person conversation and information session about the Age- and Dementia-Friendly Project Thursday, June 22, from 2 to 4 PM, with a resource fair beforehand from 1:30-2 PM, hosted by Greenfield Community College at their Cohn Family Dining Commons, One College Drive, Greenfield, MA. The event is free and refreshments will be served.

Community members are invited to an in-person conversation and information session about the Age- and Dementia-Friendly Project Thursday, June 22, from 2 to 4 PM, with a resource fair beforehand from 1:30-2 PM.

Presenters will give an overview of the regional project and role of the steering committee, followed by specifics on the efforts of the community-member-led workgroups that reviewed the results of last year’s needs assessment. Their summaries of the major issues our area faces have been organized into 4 areas that make a community livable for people of all ages:

  1. Housing and outdoor spaces: This means having places outside and buildings that everyone can easily use, and homes that are appropriate for older people to live in. Examples are sidewalks and benches in good condition, houses with ramps or elevators, and making sure there are enough homes that older people can afford.

  2. Communication, information, and social and civic participation: This means making sure that everyone has the opportunity to access the information and resources they need. It might involve learning how to use technology, or making sure information about community events and services is widely shared. It also means ensuring people have opportunities to be part of the community, including places where individuals can go to meet others, and jobs and volunteer roles available for individuals who want them. We also want to ensure all people are treated with respect and feel a sense of belonging.

  3. Community support and health services: This is about making sure we all have access to good healthcare and support when we need it. It could mean having healthcare facilities that are easy to get to, or services that help people at home.

  4. Transportation: This is about having ways for people to get around that are affordable and easy. It could mean having buses, safe roads, and paths for walking and biking.

Attendees will also hear from individuals involved in their town-specific age- and dementia-friendly projects. The three-o’clock hour will be dedicated to hearing from event attendees on their ideas and solutions that may work best for our area. This input will help us craft an action plan and work towards implementation of the changes needed for our community to become more age- and dementia-friendly. Registration is helpful but not required. Register here or call 413-773-5555, x2225.