Dirigo, our state motto which means "I lead," certainly holds true when it comes to Maine's Age-Friendly movement, which has become a national exemplar.

Age-Friendly is one of the most exciting developments of the 21st century! The term refers to deliberate efforts to make places, organizations, social services, and groups more  responsive to longer, healthier lives and inclusive of the many life experiences of aging.

About 100 towns, cities, counties, regions, and the State of Maine have embraced the importance of shaping great places for people to age by joining the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. 

Age-Friendly Communities are community-based initiatives to make a city, town, or region more favorable to older adults’ health, well-being, and ability to age in place and in the community. 

Across Maine, grassroots, age-friendly initiatives, formal members of the AARP Network and others following a similar path, are leveraging local assets to build community capacity addressing challenges such as accessible spaces, access to technology, food security, home repair, transportation, and social connections. 

Volunteers and local organizations work closely with municipal government to make improvements that fit with the preferences and values of residents. 

What makes a community age-friendly? Start by taking this quiz to learn how age-friendly your community already is. Interested in joining the Age-Friendly community movement? Learn how by visiting the Lifelong Maine Guide to Building Age-Friendly Communities.

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