Age-Friendly City Block-by-Block Survey

by Marlene Berlin

Between March 20th and April 15th, you’re invited to walk the neighborhood with eyes wide open. Are any sidewalks a tripping hazard for seniors? Are there amenities along the block for all to enjoy?

Age-Friendly DC is organizing hundreds of volunteers for a block-by-block walk of DC. ANCs across the city are being asked to join in this effort, which is divided into ANC single member districts. The DCist provides a good description of this effort, which includes training volunteers to collect data.

To sign up to volunteer, click here.

In September 2013, DC AARP and Mayor Gray kicked off the DC Age-Friendly City Initiative as part of in international initiative promoted by the World Health Organization to optimize cities for seniors . Though this effort focuses on those in the upper end of the age spectrum, usually what is good for this age group is good for all.

Wards 3, 4 and 5 have the heaviest concentration of those aged 60 and over. And Connecticut Avenue is home to many seniors in apartment buildings, The Methodist Home, Regency House, Sunrise Assisted Living, and Chevy Chase House.