West Hartford will be participating in a program to officially join the AARP Age-Friendly Community Network.

By Ronni Newton

The Town of West Hartford applied – and was accepted – to a program that will officially lead to membership in AARP’s “Age-Friendly States and Communities” Network, furthering the town’s commitment to supporting the livability of the community for residents of all ages.

The town joins more than 1,000 other communities enrolled in an in-depth, five-year process to become fully recognized as an Age-Friendly Community.

Senior Centers Director Rebecca Sears and Director of Community Engagement Adrienne Billings-Smith have already been working on the application process for about a year, and according to Sears, the next step is launching a town-wide community needs assessment. That survey, which went live on May 4 and will be available through June 15, 2o26, asks residents of all ages to share their experience in West Hartford based on the “8 Domains of Livability,” and how they view the availability, quality, and accessibility of the community features for older adults.

The domains include:

• Outdoor spaces and buildings, including the accessibility and availability of outdoor green spaces
• Transportation through a variety of modes, including driving, walking, biking, and public transit
• Housing for people at a variety of income levels, and that will accommodate aging in place
• Social participation in activities that are fun, affordable, and accessible
• Respect and social inclusion in intergenerational gatherings
• Work and civic engagement opportunities, both paid and volunteer
• Communication and information through a variety of methods
• Community and health services that are close by and affordable

Courtesy of Town of West Hartford

In addition to the survey, the assessment process – which will take place during the first year – will include focus groups and demographic analysis, and then an action plan will be created based on input. Implementation and program tracking are also part of the process of achieving full status in the network.

Billings-Smith said resident Kevin Ryan brought the opportunity to participate in this initiative the attention of the town’s Senior Citizen Advisory Commission. In West Hartford, “26% of our community is 60 or older,” she said, and it’s important to be looking ahead. “What does that look like for West Hartford, and how can we engage with everyone in our community,” Billings-Smith said.

Ensuring the ability for those who desire to age in place is part of it, she said. “Having the proper programs and supports and resources for everyone to flourish,” Billings-Smith said.

“The World Health Organization started the age-friendly community initiative,” Sears said. “AARP adopted the program and brought it to the United States.”

According to the town, “Becoming age-friendly means intentionally designing programs, services, spaces, and policies that support aging safely, actively, and with dignity in the community they love.”

Being part of the AARP network will provide additional grant opportunities that will help the town build programs.

“The intent is to continue to create positive change well beyond the five years,” said Sears.

West Hartford has already partnered with the CT Age Well Collaborative and in 2025 received a WellSpring Award for leadership in advancing inclusive aging efforts.

The Age-Friendly Communities Initiative webpage on the Town of West Hartford website states that the town is committed to:

• “Engaging residents in meaningful dialogue
• “Centering lived experience in decision-making
• “Promoting intergenerational connection
• “Removing barriers that impact aging in place”

Anyone looking for updates, survey information, and ways to get involved, can contact [email protected] or call 860-561-8172.

“This is community work – and we invite you to be part of it,” the webpage states.

Sears noted that students from the University of Saint Joseph will be partnering with the town to help distribute surveys, collect data, and analyze the data under the direction of Kevin Ryan. “Our partnership with USJ is an exciting opportunity to further engage our community and reach our goal to make our community even better to age in place,” Sears said.

On May 19, at 12:30 p.m. at the Bishops Corner Senior Center, AARP will present Mayor shari Cantor with a certificate recognizing the town’s acceptance into the Age-Friendly Community Network. The event is open to the public (RSVP to 860-561-7583).

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