Portland:
Maine's First Age-Friendly community
It seems only fitting that Portland, the first community in Maine to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, continues to be a leader in all things Age-Friendly. Since 2014, the city has worked to create programs that reflect the changing needs and desires of its residents over time.
Listening has been an important tool to finding success. By hosting meetings and summits in various locations and neighborhoods, Age-Friendly Portland has heard what people love about their community and what areas need improvement. Varied and ongoing communication is integral to the program. All types of media are used to get the word out. Portland is home to refugees and immigrants from all over the world, so reaching the many multicultural groups has been critical. For example, Portland's Senior Resource Guide is now available in four languages besides English. Program activities have also been guided by the needs of disabled residents and those with cognitive challenges.
Partnerships with local businesses are not unusual in the Age-Friendly universe, but Portland took it a step further and launched a formal Age-Friendly Business Program in 2017. Collaboration with local businesses, such as Anania’s Pizza & Sandwich Shop (above), led to the city being awarded a 2022 AARP Challenge Grant, which funded the Ramp Up For Accessibility program. This program enables local businesses and non-profits to obtain portable ramps and wireless doorbells to increase accessibility. In a city with numerous architectural barriers, these ramps are well-used.
Portland has implemented many other initiatives that benefit residents of all ages, including improved access to public transportation and improved walkability. A successful volunteer snow shoveling program helps to keep older Portland homeowners safe by clearing their walks and sidewalks of snow and ice.
Linda Weare, Director of the Portland Office of Elder Affairs, who has been so instrumental in this work, says that efforts to create a more livable community are constantly evolving. Age Friendly Portland recently conducted a new community needs assessment and will use this data to develop an updated action plan and targeted goals for the future. Portland continues to work with the local Chamber of Commerce and Portland Downtown to expand the Age-Friendly Business Program. Neighborhood walk-arounds with older residents will help identify ways to further improve safety and walkability for people of all ages and abilities.
Many, many people, organizations, and agencies have contributed to the success Portland has enjoyed. Municipal leadership, through several different administrations, has been steadfast in support of these efforts.
Without partnerships and collaborations, success can be hard to find!