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The local chapter of AARP 2831’s Livable Community Committee performed a driving/walking audit to determine just how age- or disability appropriate is the Village of Potsdam. These are our findings (and there are certain to be more). Feel free to use this as a template to determine your own community’s efforts. COMMUNICATION Communication is an integral part of marketing, however, in recent years, with the introduction of the Internet, a wealth of information can be made readily available to consumers in an instant. Because of this, strategic communication has shifted from its previous position as a helpful marketing tool, to an essential one. • Need community members to be more active in Village events? Make sure they know when events/decisions are happening • Repetition is crucial to communicating strategically. An organization’s intended message gains clarity the more it is affirmed. • To communicate effectively, there should be proactive participation; an ability to learn from others; and listening rather than hearing • The Village website needs to be constantly updated • Advertise Board or other Village meetings/events in North Country This Week on a regular basis. Once a year is lost the first time the roster is printed and the newspaper is tossed • Who is going to walk up the Village Office steps to look at a 8.5 by 11 document • Make sure the elevator on the lower level is working to allow for residents to attend Board Meetings. It communicates to the community that their opinions are valuable and wanted STREETS • Curb cuts are needed at all crosswalks throughout the business and residential areas
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SHOULD A MULTI-GENERATIONAL/CULTURAL COMMUNITY CENTER BE IN POTSDAM'S FUTURE?
AARP National has studied the viability of age friendly communities and offers "Communities need to both naturally and intentionally have ways for residents and visitors to be involved to socialize, to learn and to share experiences. Through AARP Livable Communities Initiative (one of the Committees in the local AARP 2831 Chapter) and a network of 53 State Offices, AARP engages, educates and inspires elected officials, local leaders, planners, citizen activists and skilled volunteers to identify community needs and the types of programs, policies ad projects that can meet those needs and improve the lives of older adults and people of all ages. AARP National and our St. Lawrence County Chapter #2831 of AARP, Inc. support the recommended 8 Domains of Livability (or age-friendly) which include: 1. Outdoor Spaces and Buildings – availability of safe and accessible recreational facilities. 2. Transportation: safe and affordable modes of private and public transportation helps older adults remain independent, mobile, and engaged in their surrounding community. 3. Housing: Availability of home modification programs for aging in place as well as a range of age-friendly housing options. 4. Social Participation: Access to leisure and cultural activities including opportunities for older residents to socialize and engage with their peers as well as with younger people. Seniors can experience isolation (due to limited social support, deteriorating health, major life changes and the refusal to ask for help) that leads to depression and even suicide. Identifying resources can provide assistance to seniors. 5. Respect and Social Inclusion: Programs that promote ethnic and cultural diversity, as well as multigenerational interaction and dialogue. 6. Civic Participation and Employment: Paid work and volunteer activities for older residents and opportunities to engage in the formulation of policies relevant to their lives. St. Lawrence County Chapter #2831 of AARP, Inc.
As our population ages and people stay healthy and active longer, communities need to adapt. The AARP Network of Age Friendly Communities – including AARP National’s designating New York State as its first age-friendly State - and helps participating communities to become great places to reside. Well-designed, livable communities help sustain economic growth and make for happier, healthier residents – of all ages. The statistics might be enough to make us rethink what is our future for the North Country. It’s all about Staying Informed and Learning About Livability. AARP Livable Communities supports the efforts of neighborhoods, towns, cities and rural areas to be great places for people of all ages. How will the following statistics impact the North Country, villages and institutions of higher education? By 2035, the United States will — for the first time ever — be a country comprised of more older adults than of children. The U.S. Census Bureau projects there will be 78 million people age 65 and over compared to 76.4 million under the age of 18. Currently 1 in 3 Americans is age 50 or older; By 2030 one in five (1 in 5) will be 65 or older |
The St. Lawrence County Chapter (SLCC) #2831 is a community of advocacy and volunteers whose purpose is to 1) promote at the local level the priorities, programs and policies specific for the benefit of our seniors, 2) maximize member engagement in a broad menu of services, information and educational activities, 3) demonstrate the contributions and potential of people who are 50+ to encourage their full participation in contemporary life, 4) create fundraising opportunities to achieve self-sufficiency, and 5) stimulate public interest in a variety of issues.
Past Posts:
November 2019
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