From the AARP website
Barb Williams of Seattle is always on the go, not letting two hip replacements slow her down. From walking in her First Hill neighborhood, to teaching tai chi, to volunteering at the Seattle Aquarium, Williams, now 80, knows the importance of getting — and staying — active. She’d like to see more older Washingtonians doing the same.
So she was excited to see that her state had joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, which aims to make neighborhoods more walkable, recreation more accessible and public transportation more convenient.
“To have both the city and the state aware of those kinds of needs is super helpful,” says Williams, noting that the city of Seattle is also a member of the network. “As one of these aging persons, I think there’s a misunderstanding of what options are available and how to take advantage of them.”
In addition to Seattle, Renton, Puyallup, Tacoma and White Salmon are part of the network. Nationwide, more than 900 towns, cities and counties are members, as are 11 states and the U.S. Virgin Islands. AARP launched the network in 2012 to help local, regional and state governments prepare for the nation’s changing demographics.
In May, Gov. Jay Inslee (D) announced that Washington was joining the network.
“These programs advance Washington’s commitment to inclusivity for all,” he said at the time.
The state said its decision to join the network was part of its commitment to ensuring that the voices of people 50 and older are included, and to promote policies and initiatives that enhance longevity, health and engagement. (continued)