Roundup Record Tribune & Winnett Times -

Helena, Mont., Nov. 24, 2020 – AARP is pleased to welcome Roundup to the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.

The network aims to help participating communities become great places for people of all ages and abilities by offering resources for ways to create safer, more walkable streets; provide more accessible housing and transportation options; enhance access to critical services, and increase opportunities for residents to participate in civic and community activities.

To accomplish this goal, the network will provide City of Roundup leadership with access to various global resources and information on established age- and disability-friendly best practices, as well as models of assessment and implementation. The information sharing will also include valuable insights and experiences from the other towns and cities around the world that make up the network.

"Well designed, livable communities promote well-being, sustain economic growth, and make for happier, healthier residents of all ages and abilities," said AARP Montana State Director Tim Summers. "By becoming part of the network, Roundup is committing to do even more to improve livability in the community and involve older residents in the process."

According to the U.S Census, 51 percent of Musselshell County residents are 50 years old or older, and 26 percent are 65 years or older. Roundup's population, like the rest of the U.S., is aging and significant portions have difficulties with at least one activity of daily living.

"Our seniors deserve the very best in their golden years and joining AARP's Livable Communities Network will help us make good on that promise," said Roundup Mayor Sandra Jones. "People want to stay in their homes and in their neighborhoods as they age. This effort is all about ensuring that happens."

The first step upon joining the network is to conduct a community needs assessment.

"Community involvement is important for the success of this program -- especially since the needs of individuals will vary greatly across the city," said Jones. "By focusing on improving the challenge faced by older adults and persons with disabilities in our neighborhoods, we will actually improve Roundup for everyone."

The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities targets improvements in eight domains that influence the health and quality of life for all as we age. Communities participating in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities commit to improving their livability through an assessment of needs, development of an action plan, implementation of new projects and programs, and ongoing assessment – all with the involvement of older residents and other key stakeholders. The focus areas are: 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.

In collaboration with residents and various partners, including those who support or impact older adults and those with disabilities, Roundup will develop an action plan based on the results of the needs assessment. This work kicks off the first of three phases over a five-year period that includes planning, implementation and progress assessments, with continued cycles of assessment and improvement after that.

Nationwide, 484 communities representing more than 78 million residents have received the Age-Friendly designation from AARP. Learn more at AARP.org/agefriendly and AARP.org/livable.

Affiliated with the World Health Organization's (WHO) Global Network of Age-Friendly Cities and Communities ®, the AARP Network helps cities and town prepare for two significant ongoing trends: rapid population aging and increasing urbanization. As reported by the U.S. Census, for the first time ever, adults in the U.S. over the age of 65 will number more than children under 18 in 2030.