EAST LANSING, Mich. — The City of East Lansing is continuing its work to achieve an Age-Friendly Community designation and is calling on citizens to be a part of that effort.
In January 2017, East Lansing’s Age-Friendly Community Committee, consisting of a group of residents and City staff, met to begin the assessment, planning and implementation process to become the fifth city in Michigan to achieve this designation. As part of that process, East Lansing is working with the World Health Organization and AARP to ensure that the following is offered to citizens:
- Safe and accessible public transportation options
- Affordable, accessible and safe housing
- Pleasant and safe parks and outdoor spaces
- Quality community and health services
- Sufficient employment and volunteer opportunities
- Engaging social activities and events for people of all ages
In fall 2017, a community telephone survey was facilitated by AARP to gain input from East Lansing residents on how the community measures up on The 8 Domains of Livability: Outdoor Spaces and Buildings, Transportation, Housing, Social Participation, Respect and Social Inclusion, Civic Participation and Employment, Communication and Information and Community Support and Health Services. To continue this effort, the committee is now working to facilitate focus groups, requiring participation by interested citizens. Citizens that are interested in participating in one of the focus groups listed below are encouraged to contact the East Lansing Prime Time Seniors’ Program at (517) 337-1113.
Focus Group Meetings – Topic, Date, Time
The meeting location for all of these focus groups will be the East Lansing Hannah Community Center, 819 Abbot Road.
- Social Participation, March 5, 10 a.m.-noon
- Communication & Information, March 5, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
- Transportation, March 6, 3:30-5:30 p.m.
- Housing, March 7, 6-8 p.m.
- Community Support and Health Services, March 8, 10 a.m.-noon
- Civic Participation and Employment, March 8, 6-8 p.m.
- Outdoor Spaces and Buildings, March 12, 10 a.m.-noon
Visit https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/network-age-friendly-communities/info-2014/an-introduction.html to learn more about Age-Friendly Communities.