Document Type
Research Report
Publication Date
8-2021
Keywords
Gerontology, Aging, Needs Assessment, Age Friendly, Older Adults
Disciplines
Gerontology
Abstract
By the year 2030, 35% of North Reading residents will be age 60 and older1. In response to this demographic shift as well as in response to the desire of most residents to remain living in their community, the resident leaders of North Reading, with support of the Town, have embarked on the journey to become a more age friendly community. The Age-Friendly North Reading initiative means to ensure that North Reading is, and remains, a place where older adults can comfortably and safely age in place. This report describes research undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, on behalf of the Town of North Reading, to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of North Reading’s residents age 55 and older. Structured around livability principles embedded in the WHO’s Age Friendly Community framework2, the North Reading for All Ages initiative considers physical infrastructure as well as social and service environments as it seeks to strengthen livability for North Reading’s older residents. The content of this report is designed to inform the Age-Friendly North Reading Initiative as it develops a plan for action to address the needs identified; and also intersect with and advise other ongoing efforts, including the implementation of the North Reading Master Plan. This work also aligns with Governor Baker’s plan for an Age Friendly State.
Community Engaged/Serving
Part of the UMass Boston Community-Engaged Teaching, Research, and Service Series. //scholarworks.umb.edu/engage
Recommended Citation
Coyle, Caitlin. “Age-Friendly North Reading: A community needs assessment.” Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications