Maple Grove Joins Growing List of Cities Striving to Be 'Age-Friendly'

After recently being selected to spearhead a national initiative, Maple Grove took steps this week to transform the city into a more supportive, inclusive place for its older residents.

The move followed the AARP naming the city an "Age-Friendly Community." Following Minneapolis and Alexandria, Maple Grove is only the third area in Minnesota to receive the designation.

"Inclusion on this list does not mean that AARP is endorsing any of the following municipalities as a place to live," the association's website says. "Nor does it mean that the community listed is currently 'age-friendly.' What membership means is that the community's elected leadership has made the commitment to actively work toward making their town, city or county a great place for people of all ages. "

Maple Grove officials hosted a Wednesday meeting to solicit residents' feedback that will help them craft a five-year plan.

" ... (They) ask(ed) residents to weigh-in on everything from housing and health to transportation," reported Public News Service. "Once the public comments are collected, the city will create a long-term plan. Changes could include sidewalk repairs, greater accessibility in buildings, and more affordable senior housing."

Northfield, St. Paul, Eagan, and Woodbury are working on similar initiatives.

See the full story for more background. Accompanying photo courtesy of Flickr: https://goo.gl/PxMgFw.