Age-Friendly Windham’s website is live; one step toward providing resources for town’s older citizens

By Lorraine Glowczak

In December 2018, The Windham Town Council opted to become an official AARP Age-Friendly Community. They voted to be among the other 65 municipalities in Maine after a presentation on the subject by Deb McAfee and Marge Govoni, members of the Town’s Human Services Advisory Committee (HSAC).

Being a part of the AARP Age-Friendly Community network simply means that the town will agree to help promote the areas’ health and economic growth. An age-friendly community also provides opportunity for individuals to age in place, making sure services are available so one can remain in their home, independently, as long as possible. And just as imperative, to provide a rich intergenerational experience for all residents.

Following the town’s approval to move forward on this initiative, the HSAC created an Age-Friendly Taskforce of interested volunteers. The taskforce applied for an AARP mini-grant to pay for the costs associated with a town-wide survey and meetings to assess the community’s needs and wants.

“From that survey, we discovered there were eight areas of major concern,” said McAfee, Chair of the Age-Friendly Windham Taskforce. “One of the most important things we learned is the need for a central location to find information for those who are elderly and those who are caregivers. We discovered there was a lack of support and resources for all involved. That is the reason why we have created the website as our first step toward all eight areas of concern.”

According to their new website, www.agefriendlywindham.org, the organization’s mission is to:  “Partner with local and regional organizations and volunteer groups, to increase services and programs that make it possible for residents of all ages and abilities to live and thrive in Windham.”

Now that the Age-Friendly Windham Taskforce has established and implemented the communication and information resources through the newly created website, the other areas of concern and focus that will be addressed are as follows:

** Civic Participation and Inclusion. “It would be great to have a monthly meeting at the high school or town hall during daylight hours where seniors can voice concerns, learn more about programs available and ask questions and provide feedback on what we think needs to improve,” as stated by a survey participant.

** Community Support and Health Resources. “My greatest concern as I age is whether our communities will have the health care providers for in home and assisted care facilities,” was another statement shared by a survey participant.

** Outdoor Spaces and Buildings. “Windham is not walking or biking friendly. Route 302 is a death trap and traffic lights cause a lot of unnecessary congestion.”

** Respect and Social Inclusion. “[Implement] ways to engage the elderly and youth in social programs, learning respect from each other.”

** Social Participation. “[There is a] lack of daytime cultural stimulation, programs and meetings for people who cannot drive at night but could in daylight.”

** Transportation. “My main concern is access to transportation once my husband and I are unable to drive, common pick up locations are not suitable for seniors who live away from the business district of Windham…”

** Housing. “ Windham needs more affordable housing for senior citizens. The planning board continues to approve subdivisions, but most are not one level housing.”

“Housing and transportation are the two most challenging issues we will face as a taskforce,” McAfee said. “But there is good news. What’s really exciting is the town council recently approved to earmark federal assistance, established by Rep. Chellie Pingree, to construct affordable senior housing at the former Andrews School site in South Windham. Hopefully, there will also be some neighborhood amenities and infrastructure that will be included such as the arts, recreation and small food/coffee markets in the area. Not only will that be a step in the direction of rectifying the transportation/housing issue but will also help to increase Windham’s economy and beautify the South Windham community.” 

McAfee also pointed out that the Windham Parks and Recreation Department offers transportation to and from shopping for those who are unable to drive or do not have another source of transport.

 "Those living in the proposed senior housing will have access to this form of transportation as well as living within walking distance to coffee shops, cultural centers and food markets. This will be a step in the direction of rectifying the concerns surrounding both housing and transportation,” she said.

In a previous interview, Govini said that 40 percent of Windham’s residents are age 50 and over.

“We have received feedback that many individuals in this age bracket are feeling misplaced and Windham is not a home for them. It is our goal to change that,” she said in 2019.

Fast forward to 2021 and Age-Friendly Windham is well on its way to address the concerns of the town’s older citizens, making Windham a place that feels like home. And as Govoni also stated, older citizens are not the only ones being affected in a positive way by this age-friendly initiative.

As far as the other 60 percent of Windham residents who are less than 50 years old, Govoni offers this reminder, “We all end up in this age bracket eventually, so it is wise to be involved in this effort as much as possible. It is your future you are preparing for.”

For more information about Age-Friendly Windham, check out the website or call 207-892-4649. <