Document Type
Research Report
Publication Date
6-2020
Keywords
Chelmsford, Massachusetts, older residents, age-friendly communities
Disciplines
Gerontology
Abstract
Demographic patterns in Chelmsford indicate that the community will include more older residents moving forward. Projections suggest that by 2030, more than one out of three Chelmsford residents will be age 60 or older. Older residents represent an asset to the community and frequently take on disproportionate commitments to volunteer and civic engagements; capacity to take on these valued activities may be strengthened as the older population expands in number. At the same time, preparing for its aging population offers the opportunity for Chelmsford to re-evaluate its services, systems, and environmental features to ensure that they align with the needs and accommodations required by an older population.
As a means of planning for its growing older population, Chelmsford established an Age-Friendly Chelmsford Core Team meant to strengthen the community as a place to live. Chelmsford is committed to promoting policies that foster healthy aging. Key goals for the community include establishing and safeguarding features that accommodate changing health needs, and strengthening opportunities to contribute and participate with fellow residents. Town leaders are dedicated to the process of identifying and pursuing the necessary steps to promote successful aging and to improve the quality of life for all ages.
Community Engaged/Serving
Part of the UMass Boston Community-Engaged Teaching, Research, and Service Series. //scholarworks.umb.edu/engage
Recommended Citation
Mutchler, Jan; Rouleau, Beth; Somerville, Ceara; and Mailman, Rebecca, "Age-Friendly Chelmsford: A Livable Community for All Ages, Chelmsford Age-Friendly Action Plan" (2020). Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications. 78.
https://scholarworks.umb.edu/demographyofaging/78