Contact: Lisa Joyce (ljoyce@southportland.org)
Joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities: 2019-10-15
Municipally appointed, volunteer committee
Highlight of 2023: We have provided 9 series of falls prevention classes over the past 12 months. All of them have been filled and most have waiting lists. We offered Matter of Balance, Tia Chi for Arthritis and Balance and advanced Tai Chi by partnering with SMAA or local Agency on Aging.
Age-Friendly South Portland's Initiatives and Accomplishments:
Civic Participation and Employment
Recognize local businesses that keep sidewalks clear during winter months with the Golden Shovel AwardÂ
Communication and Information
Senior Resource Fair in the fall, with 50 or more providers present
Community Supports and Health Services
Provide a $50 match to seniors who qualify for the State of Maine Farm Share Program
Partner with Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging to provide A Matter of Balance and Tia Chi for Arthritis and Balance Classes a number of times yearly
Emergency Preparedness
Developing training for older residents in the City of South Portland
Providing Go Bags to South Portland Seniors
Housing
Volunteer snow shoveling program
Distribution of sand buckets to older residents
Transportation (including promotion of active transportation)
Robust Pedestrian Safety Program that includes using AARP Challenge Grant Funds to improve pedestrian safety at intersections and on our Greenbelt trail.
Pilot project partnering with ITN Portland to provide rides to medical appointments to financially qualified individuals.