Age Friendly Windham, a town-supported volunteer group that is working to build a multi-generational healthy community, is hosting a community luncheon discussing fire safety, fitness and how to avoid fraud for residents.
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| The 'Aging at Home: Ready, Safe and Connected' presentation and luncheon hosted by Age Friendly Windham and Windham Parks and Recreation will be conducted from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 16 in the Windham Town Hall gymnasium on School Road in Windham. Reservations are being accepted now at Windham Parks and Recreation. COURTESY PHOTO |
Erica Bell-Watkins, Windham Age Friendly Coordinator, says that during the luncheon, the American Red Cross will give a fire safety presentation and AARP will lead a discussion about home fitness. Representatives of Cumberland County Federal Credit Union will also give a presentation about fraud prevention.
The luncheon is sponsored by Age Friendly Windham, Windham Parks and Recreation Department, and Cumberland County Federal Credit Union. Others making important contributions to the luncheon are the Southern Maine Agency on Aging, the Windham Fire-Rescue Department, and the Sebago Lakes Region Fuller Center for Housing.
“This is an opportunity to hear from multiple perspectives and different organizations about what to plan for as you age in place,” Watkins-Bell said. “We are hoping to provide options and resources to our aging population for what the best options are for them to age safely and comfortably in their homes.”
Back in 2019, Maine was designated as an Age Friendly State, joining many cities and communities across the globe who are committed to becoming more inclusive of people of all ages. Maine is part of the AARP Network of Age Friendly States and Communities and the World Health Organization’s Global Network for Age Friendly Cities and Communities.
Being designated as an Age Friendly state means communities such as Windham are encouraged to plan and implement strategies that best fit the assets and opportunities of their state and community, as well as embrace and assess multiple domains of livability.
According to Bell-Watkins, Age Friendly Windham is a diverse group of dedicated volunteers working to help members in the community to live and age in place and is dedicated to maintaining the independence of our town’s residents and helping them thrive.
She said that its 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.
Provide activities geared toward keeping people healthy, active, and engaged in our community.
Advise the Windham Town Council about infrastructure and policy that will make it easier and safer for Windham residents to live in our community.
“Currently we have a transportation program, a disaster preparedness program, a “Lunch and Learn” series and work with several other departments on shared initiatives like technology access and education,” Bell-Watkins said.
Among new initiatives that Age Friendly Windham is planning include piloting a home safety check program, a window dressers program to help install low-cost insulating window inserts that function as custom, interior-mounted storm windows for seniors, and a potential energy audit program.
All these current Age Friendly Windham programs and those coming soon are intended to help everyone in the community, regardless of age, to lead active, healthy, and engaged lives throughout their lifetime.
Across Maine, grassroots, age-friendly initiatives, formal members of the AARP Network and others following a similar path and are leveraging local assets to build community capacity addressing challenges such as accessible spaces, access to technology, food security, home repair, transportation, and social connections.
The best part about being associated with Age Friendly Windham for Bell-Watkins is rather simple.
“Age Friendly Windham is building a strong and more-connected community where people of all ages feel that they belong and their experience and talents are appreciated,” she said.
To reserve your spot go to windhamrecreation.com or call Age Friendly Windham at 207-892-4649. Please RSVP by no later than Sept. 9. <
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