Document Type
Research Report
Publication Date
1-2019
Keywords
Sudbury, Massachusetts, needs assessment, older residents, dementia
Disciplines
Gerontology
Abstract
The Livable Sudbury Initiative is based on a distinctive framework meant to ensure that Sudbury is and remains an all-age and dementia-friendly place in which to live, work, and play. Structured around livability principles embedded in the Age-Friendly Community framework, the Livable Sudbury Initiative is designed to intersect with and inform other ongoing efforts, including development of the Sudbury Master Plan and a 14-town collaborative effort of the Minuteman Advisory Group on Interlocal Coordination (MAGIC) to advance regional age-friendly planning. The Sudbury framework considers physical infrastructure as well as social and service environments as it seeks to strengthen livability for all ages and abilities, including those with dementia and their families. An important added feature is Sudbury’s emphasis on equity and inclusion. The purpose of this report is to inform Sudbury’s effort to be “all-age” friendly and inclusive in pursuit of a more livable community for all residents.
Research in support of this report started with two forums conducted in Fall of 2017, during which residents offered initial input about the current livability of Sudbury and their hopes for future improvements. Subsequent data collection included key informant interviews with Town leaders and a systematic review of recent documents prepared in Sudbury in support of related planning efforts. An online resident survey was completed during Spring of 2018. In addition, eight focus groups were held in late Spring and Summer of 2018 to learn about specific issues and populations with respect to the Livable Sudbury effort. Sudbury formally joined the AARP Network of Age- Friendly Communities in April 2018. Findings from this report and other ongoing efforts will be used in developing an action plan for the Livable Sudbury Initiative.
Community Engaged/Serving
Part of the UMass Boston Community-Engaged Teaching, Research, and Service Series. //scholarworks.umb.edu/engage
Recommended Citation
Coyle, Caitlin; Mutchler, Jan; Berger, Sue; and Somerville, Ceara, "Livable Sudbury: A Community Needs Assessment" (2019). Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications. 81.
https://scholarworks.umb.edu/demographyofaging/81