Document Salem_doc_e66d658e39

Salem for All Ages: An age-friendly action plan Prepared by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging Gerontology Institute, University of Massachusetts Boston In partnership with The City of Salem NOVEMBER 2016 ---PAGE BREAK--- Acknowledgements We acknowledge with gratitude our partnership with the City of Salem and members of its Salem for All Ages Leadership Team including Kimberly Driscoll, Mayor of Salem, Patricia Zaido, resident leader, Christine Sullivan, resident leader, Dominick Pangallo, Chief of Staff, Mayor’s Office, Meredith McDonald, Director, Salem Council on Aging, and Tricia O’Brien, Superintendent, Salem Department of Park, Recreation and Community Service. This effort could not be completed without the guidance and expertise from Mike Festa, Massachusetts State Director at AARP, and Kara Cohen, Community Outreach Director at AARP of Massachusetts. We acknowledge the efforts of Kathy Burnes, Division Director of Services for Older Adults at Jewish Family & Children’s Services, and Kelley Annese, program coordinator, who completed a preliminary report for the Salem for All Ages initiative. The support from North Shore Elder Services has been phenomenal and so we would like to thank Executive Director Paul Lanzikos and Katherine Walsh who serves as Chair of the Board of Directors. We recognize the excellence of our research assistance from University of Massachusetts students Molly Evans, Naomi Gallopyn, Maryam Khaniyan, and Ceara Somerville. Most importantly, we are grateful to all of the residents and leaders in Salem who gave of their time to participate in these efforts to maintain Salem as a friendly and vibrant place to grow-up and grow-old. Cover photo credits (from left to right): Scott Lanes, Orchestra, July 4th Teresa Nevic Starner, Old Town Hall Courtesy Photo, Salem/Boston Ferry Courtesy Photo, The Friendship of Salem Kish Graphics, Salem Trolley Courtesy Photo, Salem Common Courtesy Photo, House of Seven Gables Salem TV, Mayor Driscoll with residents Peter Vanderwarker, Peabody Essex Museum Jared Charney, Haunted Happenings’ Medusa City of Salem, Rendering of Mayor Jean Levesque Community Life Center Salem State University, Sullivan Building ---PAGE BREAK--- CITY OF SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS Kimberley Driscoll Mayor The priorities represented by the Age-Friendly designation are reflective of Salem’s values as a whole. The goals of a livable, safe, and vibrant city serve to lift up all our residents, no matter their age or ability. The Salem For All Ages Action Plan focuses on supportive community and health services for all, civic engagement and participation, employment and volunteer opportunities, respect and social inclusion, appropriate housing in a range of affordability, vibrant outdoor spaces and public places, and effective, sensible transportation options. These are the elements of a working Salem for all ages, but they also provide the roadmap toward one that is especially prepared for the changing demographics that we clearly see in our community’s future. While one out of every five Salem residents are over the age of 60 today, that figure is expected to climb to one in four by 2030, increasing from around 8,000 individuals today to as many as 12,000 people in fourteen years. Many of these individuals are moving to Salem, attracted by our cultural and historic amenities, our active waterfront and downtown, our walkability, and our numerous community, social, and health care service providers. Many more, however, are already living here in Salem today. They are the population of rising seniors who are mobile, active, and love the community where they live. They want to age in place – perhaps not in the exact house, condo, or apartment where they are living today, but definitely right here in Salem. Our senior population and those who will become seniors over the coming decades are a dynamic group. They want to be active, civically engaged, and to have their voices heard. This action plan and accompanying data report are a culmination of a public process over a year that included public meetings, surveys, and focus groups. It involved community stakeholders, local organizations and non- profits, neighborhood groups, service providers, businesses, residents, and elected officials. It sought as many perspectives as practical, so that the recommendations it puts forth can be as diverse and as forward-looking as the people who live here. In Salem we are thoughtful about how we approach the future. Great cities do not happen by accident. They take careful planning, public input, and meaningful action. I am so pleased to present the Salem for All Ages Action Plan because I believe it meets all those standards. And because I believe it will truly make Salem an even greater City for all. Sincerely, Kimberley Driscoll Mayor, City of Salem ---PAGE BREAK--- Salem for All Ages: An age-friendly action plan November 2016 Caitlin E. Coyle, PhD Jan E. Mutchler, PhD Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Gerontology Institute John W. McCormack Graduate School of Policy & Global Studies University of Massachusetts Boston In Partnership with the City of Salem ---PAGE BREAK--- Table of Contents Acknowledgements 2 Background 6 Action Plan 9 Age-Friendly Salem: 10 Age-Friendly Salem: Transportation 13 Age-Friendly Salem: Outdoor Spaces & Buildings 17 Age-Friendly Salem: Community Supports & Health Services 21 Age-Friendly Salem: Communication & Information 25 Age-Friendly Salem: Social Participation 28 Age-Friendly Salem: Respect & Social Inclusion 30 Age-Friendly Salem: Civic Engagement & Employment 34 Implementation Approach 36 ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 Background Salem was founded in 1626 and is named from the Hebrew word meaning "Peace". The city is situated on the Massachusetts sea coast and occupies approximately eight square miles. Salem shares the position of county seat with neighboring Lawrence and has a population of approximately 41,000 people. Salem is most famous for the Witch Trials of 1692, its rich maritime history and its extraordinary architectural and historic treasures. The Peabody Essex Museum (PEM), founded in 1799, is one of the oldest continuously operating museums in the United States. Upon completion of an upcoming expansion project to be finished in 2019, PEM will rank in the top 10 North American art museums in terms of gallery space, operating budget, and endowment. Salem residents enjoy free admission to PEM and many other historic and cultural sites. More than 1 million tourists from all around the world visit Salem annually. North Shore Medical Center (NSMC) is the North Shore's largest healthcare provider. For the last five years in a row NSMC has been ranked a top regional hospital by US News and World Report. As a member of Partners Healthcare, NSMC provides patients with access to some of the most talented specialists in the world through clinical collaborations. The City of Salem is also home to Salem State University, which was founded in 1854 as Salem Normal School. Its purpose then was to prepare young women as teachers and was only the fourth such institution in Massachusetts and the tenth in America. Today the University offers close to 40 academic programs and majors and annually serves nearly 10,000 undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students. The City of Salem and Salem State University have a long-standing and mutually beneficial partnership that continues to thrive to this day. Residents of Salem enjoy the art, cultural, and educational opportunities that the University has to offer. Salem is a commuter city, approximately 26 miles from Boston. Boston is only a short car, commuter rail, bus, or Salem Ferry trip away, making Salem a popular place to both live and work. Tourists and residents alike enjoy Salem’s mix of important historic sites, higher education, regional medical services, and a walkable vibrant downtown with more than 60 restaurants, cafés, and coffee shops. Salem is a diverse and active community that is fast becoming home to a growing population of "empty nesters" and long-time residents who want to age in place and enjoy all this remarkable historic waterfront city has to offer. The City of Salem is dedicated to being an ideal place for people of all ages and abilities to live, work, learn and play. Towards this goal the City applied, and was accepted, to the World Health Organization’s Network of Age-Friendly Communities in 2015. Almost entirely directed by passionate resident leaders from Salem and with the support and enthusiasm of Mayor Kimberly Driscoll and participating City Departments, a series of activities were undertaken to assess the needs of Salem’s older adult population. In June 2016, the City of Salem invited collaboration from the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging in the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston to guide the development of an Age-Friendly action plan. The contents of these collaborative planning efforts are described in detail in this report. ---PAGE BREAK--- 7 The Salem’s Age-Friendly Initiative, Salem for All Ages, builds on concepts developed by the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the WHO, an age-friendly community is one in which people participate, are connected, remain healthy and active, and feel they belong— no matter their age. Through planning, taking action, and evaluating progress, communities all over the world are taking steps to improve their social and physical environments as a strategy for promoting health and well-being throughout the life course. The Age-Friendly model includes a conceptual framework (domains) for describing areas communities should consider addressing. It also lays out a process intended to ensure repeated consultation with the community, collective reflection, action and evaluation. As well, the WHO hosts an Age- Friendly network, established in 2010 as a means of facilitating the exchange of information among communities. This network currently includes 314 cities and communities in 35 countries, including Salem Domains. The Age-Friendly framework includes eight domains of community life that intersect with livability, accessibility, and the ability to thrive within the community. Within each domain, elements are identified relevant to affordability, appropriateness, and accessibility (see Figure Figure 1. Eight Domains an Age-Friendly Community Source: Sandra Harris, Design For Aging Committee, BHA Process. The WHO describes five components of an age-friendly initiative, and indicates that these components will be pursued sequentially over a period of five years. These steps involve assessing, planning, implementing and evaluating processes; at the end of each five- year cycle a new phase begins, during which new goals are set, innovations put in place, and ---PAGE BREAK--- 8 progress evaluated (see Figure 2 below). Briefly, in step one local principles are defined in conjunction with building partnerships, creating a vision, and recruiting community members for involvement. Through these efforts, goals of the initiative are prioritized. In Salem, this step has been in process since joining the network in 2015. Step two involves generating a needs assessment, focusing on environmental and population-based features that reflect age-friendliness, as well as those that pose a challenge to this goal. This step was completed by leaders in Salem. The third step includes developing an action plan, which may be thought of as a “road map” to define programs and interventions that will be pursued in the process of becoming an Age-Friendly community. This third step was completed in Salem together with research collaborators from UMass Boston and is described in the current report. The final steps involve implementing promising interventions, broadly speaking; these may include programs (such as evidence-based health promotion activities) as well as environmental modifications (such as expanding traffic-calming features at key intersections). As programs and modifications are put in place, evaluations focus on assessing outcomes and evaluating processes were the proposed modifications implemented appropriately?). Initial outcomes are laid out in this report as a way of tracking completion of action items as well as to track progress made towards achieving these outcomes. Longer term impacts (that is, have well-being, health, and quality of life been improved by the improvements put in place?) can be addressed as the initiative grows and develops. Figure 2. Process of Developing an Age-Friendly Community Define Assess Plan Implement Evaluate ---PAGE BREAK--- 9 The description of age-friendly features, and the experiences of communities throughout the world that are using the Age-Friendly framework, make clear that each community will conceptualize this effort in a somewhat unique way. Local conceptualizations will shape the initiatives, programs, and partnerships put in place; they will also shape the research and measurement used in support of the effort. Ultimately, the Age-Friendly Framework requires that environmental features are defined and evaluated relative to the characteristics and resources of residents actually living in the community. An initial task of any community’s effort is therefore to identify elements that residents feel are “age-friendly.” This Salem for All Ages Action Plan is organized by each of the eight domains. Within each domain, a vision statement for the future of an Age-Friendly Salem is described followed by a series of recommendations and corresponding specific action steps to be taken. Each action item is also paired with a potential partner organization. Acronyms of these potential partner organizations are detailed in Appendix I. Further, a measurable outcome is also named for each action item as a way of tracking progress towards meeting the goals of the recommendation. For example, an action item that describes the development of a new program for older resident in Salem may be attached to an outcome related to the number of residents participating in this new program; however, it is important to understand the process required to reach this outcome engaging stakeholders, identifying resources, planning etc.). These intermediate processes all represent actions toward achieving the desired metric and are considered progress towards age-friendliness. The contents of this report are formed by results of a community needs assessment effort taken up by the City of Salem, the results of which can be found in a separate document1. Elements of this needs assessment include a demographic profile of Salem, a series of three focus groups, and a systematic review of existing documents in Salem, all of which were conducted by researchers at the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston. In addition, the results of six public listening sessions and a web-based community survey are included in the needs assessment document. These two efforts were facilitated by leaders in the community and, together, included input from over 500 residents of Salem. Action Plan The Action Plan was developed by a Leadership Team comprised of the Mayor of Salem, the Council on Aging Director, the Superintendent of Park, Recreation and Community Service and two resident leaders in coordination with researchers at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Drawing on results of the needs assessment efforts, this group generated and refined a list of action items to be taken on by the Salem for All Ages initiative. These action items are outlined below and categorized under broader recommendations for how Salem can become a more Age-Friendly Community. 1 http://www.salem.com/sites/salemma/files/pages/salem_needs_assessment_report_11.11.16_1.pdf ---PAGE BREAK--- 10 Age-Friendly Salem: Housing Our Vision In order for adults to remain living in their communities as they age, housing must be available, affordable, and designed to accommodate a range of physical abilities. Moreover, homeowners must be able to adequately maintain and repair their homes in order to stay in them safely. We envision a city that provides a continuum of safe, affordable and healthy housing options that provide the services and accessible design necessary to allow residents, regardless of income or housing type, to age in place. Current Condition A July 2015 report prepared by the Metro Area Planning Council (MAPC), Salem Housing Needs and Analysis Report2, provides data on current housing stock (19,626 units), projects housing needs, and examines the critical issue of cost burden associated with housing. In that Report, it is stated, “The rate of household growth is projected to be higher than population growth due to continued declines in average household size, driven largely by the increasing number of senior households who are much more likely to have only one or two people per household.” The Salem Housing Authority manages a total of 465 public housing units designated for elderly/disabled residents. In addition, Salem has 3 assisted living facilities and 2 skilled nursing facilities. The provision of supportive services, like meals and laundry, in one of the largest public senior housing buildings in Salem has been turned over to the North Shore Elder Services agency. According to the MAPC report, Salem’s count of subsidized housing inventory is almost 13%, compared to the 10% affordable housing target put in place by the Commonwealth. However, the deed restrictions on many units are set to expire, and if they do, Salem would fall below the 10% subsidized housing inventory (SHI) target. Over the next five years, the city stands to lose up to 777 affordable units due to expiring deed-restrictions. Several of the developments set to expire are primarily occupied by elderly adults. There is a cause for concern if the current number of affordable housing units drops in years to come when clearly there already is a lack of affordable options. Currently there are approximately 872 individuals on a waitlist for affordable senior housing through the Housing Authority. Approximately 400 of these applicants are Salem residents. Though waiting times vary, the wait time for Salem Resident applicants is one year or more. The conversion of rental units to condominiums poses another threat to the availability of affordable housing. According to the MAPC housing report, “The conversion of a residential unit to a condominium signals the removal of rental units from the market based on the 2 Salem Housing Needs and Demand Analysis. prepared for the City of Salem Department of Planning and Community Development by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), July 2015 http://www.salem.com/sites/salemma/files/uploads/salemhousingneeds.pdf ---PAGE BREAK--- 11 assumption that condominiums are typically owner-occupied and not leased to those in the rental market. This type of redevelopment burdens the affordable housing market as rental units are absorbed into the higher-end of the housing market.” In addition to issues of housing development, there are concerns about home maintenance repair and a strong desire to age in place. Eighty-nine percent of survey respondents reported that it is “extremely important” for them to be able to live independently in their own home as they age and 54% reported that it is “extremely important” for them to remain living in Salem as they age. That being said, only 15% of survey respondents reported that their home is “accessible such that it will be possible for [them] to stay there as [they] age”, 56% reported that their home may need minor renovations and 30% reported that their home would need major renovations in order to be appropriate for them to remain living there as they age. This need for home renovations or repair is echoed by the finding that the community services deemed most important to survey respondents included contractors for major home repair (89%) and affordable handyman- type services Recommendations and Action Steps 1. Create supports to assist seniors with the maintenance of their homes to enable aging in place Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Get local high school students involved by creating a volunteer group to help with small household tasks for senior residents (changing lightbulbs, raking leaves, removing AC units or other minor chores). Drawing on the Rotary Interact club at Salem High School3 may be an avenue for developing such a service program. COA, SHS, Rotary, B&G Club Establishment of the program b. In order to streamline the permitting process for home modifications needed by seniors, create a separate “express permit line” for home modification permits. ISD, DPCD Establishment of the express line c. Generate a Master Plan for the maintenance of all Salem Housing Authority operated SHA Completion of this Master Plan 3 ---PAGE BREAK--- 12 units to ensure quality and up-to-code living .environments. d. Evaluate outcomes of the housing with supports model being undertaken by the North Shore Elder Services at one public senior housing development in Salem. If successful, consider opportunities to replicate this model at other housing complexes. SHA, NSES Evaluation results e. Connect persons looking for work doing small jobs to seniors for the purpose of providing low-cost home repair (repairing a leaky faucet, installing a ceiling fan or new toilet) or modification services (grab bars, ramps etc.) to seniors in Salem. COA Number of program participants, both older residents and those doing the work f. Evaluate funding opportunities for the expansion of the COA’s existing medical equipment loan program to include larger items like beds or chair-lifts. COA, NSMC Submission of 1 grant proposal for the expansion of the medical equipment program 2. Incentivize and promote development of housing that appeals to Salem seniors wishing to remain in Salem as they age Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Identify mechanisms by which developers can be encouraged and incentivized to use universal design in newly proposed housing units. DPCD/PB, Number of mechanisms identified b. Research options for home- sharing models for intergenerational housing but also for sharing among adults age 50+. DPCD, ISD, Legal Results of research, including the naming of existing models feasible in Salem ---PAGE BREAK--- 13 c. Advocate for the continuation of the deed restrictions in order to maintain a high volume of subsidized housing in Salem. Mayor Continuation of deed restrictions without expiration d. In order to accurately understand the housing options available to those Salem seniors who wish to downsize, commission a study of all types of housing units (public, private and subsidized) to establish a comprehensive need for housing, with a particular emphasis on middle-income Salem residents. DPCD Completion of the study e. In order to reduce waitlist time and length, connect with neighboring communities to evaluate the concept of a regionally-shared waitlist for housing. SHA Convening of a meeting with regional leaders to discuss this option f. Investigate, and consider revising, the zoning laws in Salem to determine regulations around the construction of accessory apartments as an alternative housing option for seniors. Review zoning laws in other communities for feasible models. Legal, DPCD, ZBA Results of zoning law review, including the naming of models feasible in Salem Age-Friendly Salem: Transportation Our Vision Accessible and affordable transportation options are necessary for active aging. When transport is available and adapted to the needs of seniors, both in terms of access and destination, it enhances mobility and facilitates social-participation and a sense of belonging to one’s community. Our vision for the City of Salem includes coordinated intra-city travel options for people of all ages and public transportation that is accessible to people of all abilities. Current Condition ---PAGE BREAK--- 14 Although 81% of survey respondents reported driving as their primary mode of transport, there are many alternative options available to Salem residents. Salem is fortunate to be connected to the MBTA commuter rail train, bus and paratransit services. There is also seasonal ferry service to downtown Boston available from Salem, for a discounted rate to seniors, and a free trolley service for all Salem residents to downtown Salem available June through September. The Council On Aging (COA) and the North Shore Elder Services agency (NSES) provide transportation to medical appointments and limited transportation to grocery stores. Taxi services and ride-sharing services are also available in Salem. Although there are many transportation options in Salem, accessibility of these services could create barriers to use for residents of Salem with mobility impairments or financial constraints. For example, many bus stops do not have benches and residents often lack information about senior rates. To address some of these issues, Salem has a nationally- recognized Complete Streets policy and has committed to implementing this policy in its programs and roadway projects to maintain safety for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike. It is important to note that Salem is considered a walkable city. Although important modes of transportation, all action items related to walkability and bicycle transport are addressed in the Outdoor Spaces & Building section of this action plan. Recommendations and Action Steps 1. Investigate the use of existing intra-city transportation options in Salem Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Commission a feasibility study of connecting the existing intra-city transportation options (COA van service, seasonal trolley service, SSU shuttle and school busses) to identify gaps in service and streamline access to the amenities of living in Salem. Include examples of other communities’ systems, like the Lexpress in Lexington, MA4. MAPC, Traffic & Parking, MiM Completion of the feasibility study b. Evaluate ways in which taxis in Salem can become more affordable and accessible to seniors in Licensing, COA Number of taxi voucher coupons available to Salem residents 4 http://www.lexingtonma.gov/lexpress ---PAGE BREAK--- 15 Salem. For example, expand the taxi voucher program in order to serve a wider proportion of Salem’s older residents. 2. Improve access to public transportation options available in Salem Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Initiate a process to ensure that benches are available at all bus stops throughout the City. Begin with the prioritization of bus-stops with high utilization. MassDOT, MBTA, DPS Number of bus stops without benches, with the goal of placing benches at all stops b. Review all information outlets regarding public transport in Salem to identify that all necessary information is available in both English and Spanish. MassDOT, MBTA,, LAC Number of public transportation options without information available in Spanish, with the goal of having all public transportation information available in Spanish c. Make signage with cost information, including discounted senior rates, visible to riders at all bus stops throughout the City. MassDOT, MBTA Number of bus stops without cost information posted, with the goal of having cost-information posted at all stops 3. Expand senior transportation options to include travel to cultural and social events in addition to medical appointments, grocery stores and the COA Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Commission feasibility study to examine the expansion of the existing trolley system to run year-round. Traffic & Parking, Salem Trolley Completion of the study b. In order to fill existing gaps in senior transportation options provided by the COA, develop a relationship COA Memorandum of Understanding between the COA and transportation partner ---PAGE BREAK--- 16 between the COA and a ride- sharing service to arrange additional transportation availability for seniors. c. Convene a series of informational events about accessing alternative transportation options like ride-sharing services Uber or Lyft), obtaining discounted Charlie cards as well as existing volunteer driver programs. Include consumer protection advocates in these discussions. COA, NSES, Traffic & Parking, MBTA Number of attendees at each event d. Investigate the feasibility of a volunteer car-sharing program such as Génération Mobilité in France5. These programs organize car sharing between seniors who no longer use their car very much and students who may be living in Salem without a vehicle. COA, Traffic & Parking, SSU Results of the investigation, including a decision about the feasibility of such a volunteer car-sharing program in Salem 4. Increase availability of transportation options to and from medical appointments Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Establish a working group with local health service providers, including home health agencies and hospitals, to identify points of possible collaboration around transportation for medical care. NSMC, NSCH, NSES List of participating providers 5 http://www.age-platform.eu/good-practice/intergenerational-car-sharing-france ---PAGE BREAK--- 17 b. Investigate liability requirements of existing senior transportation options to determine loopholes for door-through-door pick up to- and-from local hospitals. COA, Legal Results of investigation, including the naming of options for door- through-door pick up Age-Friendly Salem: Outdoor Spaces & Buildings Our Vision Salem’s natural beauty is considered a strength of the City by many residents. Nestled on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and home to some of the most notable historic places in America, outdoor spaces and buildings are key amenities for residents of all ages. As a vision for the future of an Age-Friendly Salem, creating more opportunities for seniors to engage in activities in outdoor spaces and parks as well as improving accessibility to public buildings are goals of the Salem for All Ages initiative. 6 www.roadwisedriver.aaa.com/ma 7 8 5. Promote driver safety for seniors Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Communicate information about resources for driver education and refresher options available to seniors in Salem. For example, the COA could host sessions in their computer lab to assist residents with completing the AAA Roadwise Course6 or the MA RMV Mature Driver Links course7. COA Number of attendees at these informational courses b. Invest in larger signage on streets and at major intersections. MiM, DPS, Traffic & Parking Commission Number of large-text signs purchased c. Host additional CarFit8 events for Salem seniors City-wide to have their vehicles reviewed for “fit”. COA Number of attendees at the CarFit event d. Assess the progress and future work of the Salem Complete Streets Initiative started in 2014. Traffic & Parking, MiM Completion of a progress report ---PAGE BREAK--- 18 Current Condition Salem is home to 45 parks and playgrounds, some of which include access to the Atlantic Ocean. The most recent park and recreation Master Plan in Salem has made maintaining and updating these parks a priority and steps are being taken to address this issue. For example, lighting has been transitioned to LED and the availability of benches and outdoor seating is being improved through this plan. Results of the document review and Age-Friendly Salem survey also highlight the advantages of ample outdoor amenities in Salem. Most Salem senior residents engage with outdoor spaces. For example, 91% of the Age-Friendly Salem survey respondents report that they regularly engage in physical activity like walking more than once per month. Moreover, when asked, “If you were considering a move to a new home during your retirement, which of the following factors would impact your decision?” the number one factor selected was the ability to walk to stores or parks In September 2014 WalkBoston conducted a "walk-audit" of the downtown district of Salem and in 2015 a senior transportation study was conducted by the Metro Area Planning Council (MAPC) and Mass in Motion. Using www.walkscore.com , this study assigned Salem a score of 63 which is considered “somewhat walkable” and indicates that only some errands can be accomplished on foot. Specifically, this study indicates the most walkable parts of Salem include the downtown area, Federal Street and Salem Neck. Interestingly, according to the Tufts Health Plan Foundation’s Healthy Aging Community Profile, Salem scored a 98% on walkability for seniors compared to a statewide score of 52%9. These differences may highlight the variability in walkability across different areas of Salem. When asked how important it is to have natural areas nearby, 91% of survey respondents answered “very important”, 99% reported that well maintained streets and safe intersections were also important features of their outdoor community and 95% of respondents report that well-maintained public buildings and facilities that are accessible to people of different physical abilities is important to them. It is important to recognize that the preservation of “historic charm” is also important to Salem residents and as streets, sidewalks and buildings are addressed by the Salem for All Ages Initiative, this perspective must be considered. Taken together, these findings emphasize that an accessible and walkable Salem is desired by its older residents. Nearly one-third (30%) of survey respondents reported encountering accessibility issues in public buildings like the library or city hall. As outlined in the vision statement, accessibility of buildings and outdoor amenities are crucial priorities for making Salem a more age-friendly city. Recommendations and Action Steps 1. Implement the 10-year parks and recreation master plan as well as monitor this process to ensure features and programming meet the needs of seniors in Salem 9 content/themes/mhac/pdf/community_profiles/towncode258.pdf ---PAGE BREAK--- 19 Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Enlist a senior advocate or senior center staff person to participate in implementing the master plan to ensure programming is made available to seniors. For example, construct community garden beds that are waist-high to make them accessible by wheel chair or without stooping. PRCS, Disabilities Comm., COA Number of Master Plan meetings with an older resident or senior advocate in attendance b. Determine ways in which beaches and waterfront amenities can be made more accessible to older adults and persons with mobility limitations or for those who use assistive devices like walkers or wheelchairs. For example, create a publicly available beach wheel chair loan program or devise a beach access system that includes paved ramps with railings. See Brewster, MA for an example10. PRCS, COA Establishment of the program c. Encourage the installation of public exercise equipment in Salem parks. Disabilities Comm., DPS Installation of public exercise equipment d. Conduct more outreach to older adults about existing programming taking place in parks. Suggest that senior events are hosted in public parks and playgrounds. PRCS, Disabilities Comm. Number of seniors participating in park programming e. Develop a campaign to encourage bench donations to be located in areas of Salem that currently lack in public seating, including in playgrounds. PRCS, YMCA, MiM Number of benches donated 10 http://brewster-ma.gov/beach-info ---PAGE BREAK--- 20 2. Evaluate the safety and walkability of sidewalks and intersections throughout Salem Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Expand the previous walk-audit to be city-wide by recruiting a team of existing pedestrian advocates. Charge this group to maintain the documentation of curb cuts, tactile strips, misplaced bricks, and cross-walk timers beyond the downtown area of Salem and generate a list of walkability updates necessary to sustain Salem’s place as a walkable city for all residents. Include a Winter Walk to assess for cleared sidewalks and enforcement of snow-clearing policies. Walk Boston, MiM, Traffic & Parking Number of walk audits completed b. Determine if there are improvements that can be made to the long-term use of bricks for sidewalks. For example, explore brick alternatives like red concrete that is stamped to look like brick. Target areas outside senior housing buildings or the COA to pilot these sidewalk improvements. Solicit resident feedback. DPS Results of sidewalk pilot program c. Identify the public buildings that are not accessible to persons with mobility impairments due to the absence of an elevator or ramp, and schedule modifications to create full accessibility to City buildings by 2020. Disabilities Comm., ISD/Public Property Creation of the schedule of modifications d. Identify areas in Salem where the LED light fixtures cause a glare for drivers at night. These problem areas can be adjusted by the Electrical Department as they are identified. Electrical, Traffic & Parking Number of adjustments made by the Electrical Department ---PAGE BREAK--- 21 3. Facilitate continued safety in Salem’s neighborhoods Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Through the Community Impact Unit of SPD, create community policing so that each neighborhood has a police officer that they know and trust. The Public Safety Strategies Group’s organizational evaluation can guide specific staffing and scheduling decisions for this move towards community policing. SPD, NIAC Number of neighborhoods engaged in community policing b. Promote the existing protocol that coordinates SSU’s public safety units and the Salem Police Department among neighborhood residents. Encourage resident attendance at existing meetings to discuss issues as they arise. SSU, SPD, CIU, SSUNAC Number of residents attending neighborhood meetings 4. Educate the public on pedestrian rules Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Create an educational campaign geared towards pedestrians and drivers as a refresher to the rules of the road. Use City Hall to Go as a mechanism for this public education campaign. Include education on snow removal policies to maintain pedestrian safety, see a resident-City partnership program in Rochester, NY for a possible pilot- program example.11 Traffic & Parking, MiM Number of educational materials distributed through City Hall To Go Age-Friendly Salem: Community Supports & Health Services Our Vision An Age-Friendly Salem will include a continuum of services and supports that meet both the health and social needs of its older adult population. Community supports include access to health services like home health care or access to hospitals and doctors; but also to services like nutritious food, opportunities for physical activity and caregiver support services that enable older residents to age securely in the residence of their choosing. 11 http://www.cityofrochester.gov/sidewalkplowing/ ---PAGE BREAK--- 22 Current Condition The holistic scope outlined for the health and community support system in Salem is an important vision as previous research uniformly suggests that non-medical factors play a substantially larger role in health status.12 North Shore Medical Center (NSMC) is the North Shore’s largest healthcare provider and one of its largest employers. Headquartered in Salem, NSMC includes multiple hospitals, ambulatory care sites and a wide array of primary and specialty care physician offices, as well as a commitment to exceptional quality, safety and kindness. As a member of Partners HealthCare, founded by Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, NSMC provides patients with access to some of the most talented sub-specialists in the world through a range of clinical collaborations. These factors contribute to the health of Salem’s older residents. According to the Tufts Health Plan Foundation Healthy Aging Community Profile, Salem’s older residents have lower rates of congestive heart failure, osteoporosis, hospital stays, nursing home stays and emergency room visits compared to Massachusetts’s state averages. In addition, North Shore Elder Services (NSES) provides a vast array of social and community-based health services to seniors in Salem. For example, they provide case management, information and referral services for things like nursing homes, adult day health programs, legal services, Meals on Wheels, money management and caregiver support. The local Council on Aging also serves as an informational resource for some of Salem’s most vulnerable seniors. Eighty-one percent of Age-Friendly Salem survey respondents reported that it is very important to them to have a senior center or community center with programming for seniors as a public facility in Salem. When asked, “which of the following services would you turn to if you, a family member or a friend needed information about services such as care-giving services, home delivered meals, home repair, medical transportation or social activities?”, 73% of respondents said they would go to the local Council on Aging in Salem and 50% reported they would go to elder services North Shore Elder Services) for information about these community supports. In addition, 20% of survey respondents reported attending the local senior center for activities but 30% of respondents reported that they “would like to participate” in the local senior center. This finding suggests that there is potential for the local senior center to be more far-reaching in the City of Salem than it currently is. According to survey respondents, the most important community-based supportive service to have was “affordable home and personal care services in your own home” The location of health and social services was also important to survey respondents: 91% of the sample reported that “conveniently located health and social services” were important health and wellness services to have in their community. In addition, many survey respondents in Salem have social support nearby. A majority of survey respondents (88%) 12 http://bluecrossfoundation.org/sites/default/files/download/publication/Social_Equity_ExecSumm_final.pd f ---PAGE BREAK--- 23 report having friends or family in the area on whom they can rely for help in an emergency which highlights the importance of families and caregivers to adults aging in Salem. Recommendations and Action Steps 1. Promote and support the COA as a focal point of information and support to Salem’s senior population and their families Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Continue plans for building a community center to include specific space and programming for Salem’s growing population of older residents. CLC Task Force Opening of the new community center b. Continue to promote and expand free health screenings and exercise opportunities currently offered through the COA to a wider audience of Salem residents. COA, NIAC, Health/Public Health Nurse, NSMC, NSCH, YMCA Number of attendees at free health screenings a. Expand the social work capabilities at the COA. For example, hire a licensed clinical social worker (LISW), which allows for the mentoring of social work interns. COA, SSU School of Social Work Hiring of an LICSW b. Encourage collaboration between the Salem COA and local faith communities to leverage existing supports, programs and communication mechanisms they have in-place for their congregations. COA, local faith leaders Number of collaborative events or programs between the COA and local faith communities. c. Encourage the COA to initiate discussions with area home health service and social service organizations like NSES and NSCH to identify new and innovative ways to coordinate local health and social services for seniors in Salem with a particular focus on homebound seniors. For example, see the Community-based Care Transitions Program at Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley.13 COA, NSES, NSCH Number of new outreach programs targeting homebound seniors 13 http://www.esmv.org/programs-services/community-care-transitions-program/ ---PAGE BREAK--- 24 d. Consider the development of an Are You OK (RUOK) program in Salem as a partnership between the COA and the Salem Police and Fire Departments to stay connected to Salem’s more vulnerable senior residents. See Bristol County, MA for an example.14 COA, SPD, SFD Creation of the program e. Support the COA in expanding their capacity to reach the older Latino residents of Salem by hiring bilingual speakers to assist with outreach and support to the Latino population in Salem. LAC, LLC, COA Number of bilingual employees at the COA 2. Support family caregivers as a crucial component of home and community based care for seniors in Salem Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Enlist a group of local businesses to offer discounted or free admission to area recreational and cultural attractions for caregivers accompanying persons requiring assistance. SMS, Chamber, DS, NSES Number of participating businesses b. In partnership between the COA and local veterinarians, create a mobile healthcare van for animals owned by seniors. See the Mid- State Mobile Veterinary Clinic in Leominster as an example.15 COA, All Creatures/ Hawthorne/ Feline Hospital Establishing the service. c. Host a social event for persons of all ages at the COA to inform families about the programs and services offered through Elder Services, the COA and other area providers. COA, NSES Number of attendees at this event 14 http://www.bcso-ma.us/AreYouOK.htm 15 http://www.midstatemobilevet.com/ ---PAGE BREAK--- 25 3. Create additional sources of specified medicine to meet the needs of the aging population in Salem Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Discuss the establishment of a Geriatric Medicine division within NSMC. For example, discuss barriers to recruiting Geriatricians to the NSMC and identify possible solutions. NSMC, NSCH, SSU Geriatrics Number of meetings between NSMC and local Salem partners about this topic b. Review existing models of home- based medicine to reach home- bound seniors and those with difficulty accessing the area medical centers. Encourage the uptake of such programs at NSMC. See Mount Auburn hospital in Cambridge for an example of such a program.16 NSMC, NSCH, SSU Geriatrics Dissemination of Results of review effort c. In tandem with the re-furbishing of the Spaulding Rehabilitation building, initiate discussion about a mental health center with specialization in aging and senior issues. Specifically, acknowledge depression as a condition that affects many older adults. NSMC, NSCH, SSU Geriatrics Number of meetings between Spaulding Rehabilitation and local Salem partners about this topic Age-Friendly Salem: Communication & Information Our Vision The City of Salem envisions a municipal communication strategy that includes multiple streams of media to inform residents, including seniors, about emergencies, resources and services available to Salem’s residents as well as events and other activities happening in Salem. This is to be achieved through the continued use of electronic media as well as the targeted preservation of printed communication materials as an important component to making this communication plan accessible to all of Salem’s older residents. In addition, the vision for an age-friendly communication plan includes a public outreach campaign that generally promotes positive messaging about age and makes clear how residents may obtain information about the services and resources available to support themselves and their loved ones in Salem. 16 http://www.mountauburnhospital.org/care-treatment/geriatric-medicine/house-calls/ ---PAGE BREAK--- 26 Current Condition Salem residents have robust communication and information resources made available to them. Salem has at least 5 local websites, including the municipal site (www.salem.com), a site for tourists and visitors to Salem (www.salem.org) and local business (www.salem- chamber.com). In addition, The Mayor’s office, and many Salem organizations and groups, are active on social media. Other media outlets in Salem include a local cable channel, and a system of optional email notifications regarding current events in the City. In addition, there is a system in place to make automated calls from Salem City Hall during times of weather or other types of emergent situations for those with publicly listed telephone numbers. In Salem, there are multiple newspapers, including one local daily newspaper. The COA publishes a newsletter, and a calendar of events is published bi-annually by the Department of Park, Recreation and Community Service. When asked why they do not participate in the available programs for seniors in Salem, nearly one-third (29%) of survey respondents referred to being unaware of the services and programs available to seniors in Salem the Salem State University Explorers in Lifelong Learning, the local senior center or eldercare attorneys). Among respondents to the online survey, 94% report using the Internet once a day or more; in contrast, among those who completed a paper-version of the same survey, only 73% reported using the Internet once a day or more. Salem is taking full advantage of online communication resources; but it is important to also preserve opportunities for print communication to reach the residents of Salem who are without regular Internet access. Recommendations and Action Steps 1. Improve access to information among all of Salem’s older residents Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Using an existing data-gathering mechanism such as the City census, conduct a city-wide mailing to obtain email addresses of all residents of Salem age 60 and older for the creation of an electronic listserv of older residents. Clerk, COA, IT/CIO Generation of the listserv b. Develop additional strategies for using local cable television programming to reach senior citizens with information about events and resources available to SATV, COA, LLC Number of programs on local cable television targeted towards seniors ---PAGE BREAK--- 27 them in the community. Include bilingual programming. See the Senior Navigator on Cape Cod as an example. Number of bilingual programs on local cable television c. To make information about senior services more accessible in off-hours, develop a volunteer telephone hotline with the COA or North Shore Elder Services for evening and weekend hours that features a directory of services, agencies, and other resources geared toward the needs of older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers. See the Silver Line for an example.17 COA, NSES Establishment of the hotline d. Create volunteer and service opportunities for younger residents by encouraging them to host social media skills sessions at publicly available computer stations like the library and COA. Partnerships with Boy and Girl Scout groups or even the Salem Young Professionals Group could be formed to execute this action item. YMCA, B&G Club, Library, COA Number of participants, both attendees and hosts, at social media skills sessions e. Increase access to technology for older adults by increasing the number of publicly available computers and areas with free Wi-Fi Internet access. Library, COA, IT/CIO Number of publicly available computers with Internet access Increased coverage area for free public WiFi access f. Designate a committee or hire a consultant to craft a communication plan for Salem, with a specific emphasis on communicating with older residents of all language abilities and to include a strategy for preserving the printing of specific information sources. COA, Mayor Completion of the communication plan 17 ---PAGE BREAK--- 28 Age-Friendly Salem: Social Participation Our Vision Salem offers a wide variety of recreational programs, historical and cultural activities and events that encourage social participation of residents. An overarching vision for an Age- Friendly Salem is to improve the inclusion of the older segment of Salem’s population in these programs and events , specifically those older adults at risk for social isolation due to geographic dispersion of families, socioeconomic status, English language abilities, physical or mental health impairment or other social factors that increase the risk of social isolation. Current Condition Results from the document review and community survey indicate that Salem is a place rich in history, the arts and educational opportunities including those offered through Salem State University. Indeed, 59% of survey respondents reported that there are enough social activities and events in the community; and 74% of survey respondents report participating in cultural events such as theater, music or lectures. Further, data from a survey conducted by the Salem Tourism Office (n=254) indicates that 47% of visitors to Salem included at least one member of their party age 55 or older. These points illustrate that a number of opportunities for social participation exist for senior residents of Salem. However, when asked to evaluate the sufficiency of such social programs, nearly one-third (27%) reported that they were “not sure”. This uncertainty suggests that improved access and awareness about such social activities is needed. Recommendations and Action Steps 1. Support social participation opportunities for older residents in all of Salem’s neighborhoods Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Engage with neighborhood associations to create additional social activities for neighbors to engage with each other. NIAC Number of social activities hosted by neighborhood associations b. Engage the religious communities of Salem to create a peer-connection program that provides outreach to home bound seniors of Salem through matching individuals to exchange support and foster friendship. Local faith leaders Number of participating seniors ---PAGE BREAK--- 29 c. Create a partnership between the COA or a nonprofit organization and a local animal shelters to create a ‘Pet-Pal’ program. Volunteer dogs and cats can be registered as ‘friendly visitors’ to visit local senior housing buildings to spend time with seniors at risk for isolation. See FriendshipWorks Inc. in Boston for an example. COA, North Shore Animal Shelter Number of residents enrolled in the friendly visiting program 2. Work with local arts and culture organizations to create specific opportunities for seniors to be involved in their programming Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Host opportunities for older residents to document their oral histories. SSU Oral History Program, Library Number of oral histories documented b. Encourage museums or other cultural attractions in Salem to provide staff training for hosting tours for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia See the here:now program at the Frye Museum in Seattle, WA as an example.18 PEM, DS Number of participating organizations c. Encourage local museums to sponsor exhibits or lectures that focus on issues of age in art or host art classes taught by older artists, see Artful Aging as an example.19 PEM, SAA, Public Art Commission, SSU Center for Creative & Performing Arts Number of age- focused programs hosted d. Partner with SSU to offer discounted or free tickets to sporting events for seniors. The SSU shuttle is available to members of the public, so seniors attending a sporting SSU Number of senior tickets distributed 18 http://fryemuseum.org/program/here_now 19 http://nextavenue.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Artful-Aging-How-Creativity-Sparks-Vitality-and- Transforms-Lives.pdf ---PAGE BREAK--- 30 event can park in a SSU lot and take the shuttle to the door. Age-Friendly Salem: Respect & Social Inclusion Our Vision For Salem to be a community that is friendly for people of all ages, a shift in thinking about a more age-less community is required. At a time when Salem – and the rest of the world – is aging and diversifying, it is critical to identify opportunities to integrate older residents of all backgrounds into activities and communities in a meaningful way, both to prevent social isolation and its deleterious effects as well as to combat ageism through positive messaging about age. Current Condition Survey respondents from Salem report having strong social ties. In fact, 86% of survey respondents reported interacting with friends, family or neighbors on a daily or more frequent basis and 88% reported that they have friends or family from the area upon whom they can rely in an emergency. However, only 37% of survey respondents agreed that “the opinions and thoughts of older adults are valued” in Salem. To that same question, 43% of respondents reported that they are ‘not sure’ about whether or not they feel that “the opinions and thoughts of older adults are valued” in Salem. This point suggests that additional work must be done to integrate older residents into decision-making processes and create a community environment in which age is perceived more as an asset rather than a detriment. Interestingly, when asked “How important is it to you to have the following health and wellness services in your community?”, 98% of respondents reported that “respectful and helpful hospital and clinic staff” is important to them. This highlights the importance of how seniors are treated by service providers and the staff of business and city departments alike. Taken together, these data points indicate that many residents have relatively robust social networks to draw upon, but illustrate a desire for more respect for older adults in Salem with particular regard to policymakers and service providers. ---PAGE BREAK--- 31 Recommendations and Action Steps 1. Promote “Age-Friendly” business environments Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Drawing on the existing relationships of both the Salem Chamber of Commerce and Destination Salem with the local business community, educate local Salem businesses about creating an “Age-Friendly Business” designation. For example, involve senior consumers and other consultants to develop customer service metrics by which a business can be deemed ‘age-friendly’. See the Age Friendly Business pilot initiative happening in Washington D.C. as an example.20 Chamber, DS, SMS Development of the designation b. Encourage restaurants to offer low- sodium or low-sugar options for seniors and residents with dietary restrictions. Chamber, Board of Health Number of participating restaurants c. Build-in components of a Dementia- Friendly community. See Wisconsin’s toolkit as a resource for creating Dementia Friendly Communities.21 Chamber, DS, SMS Number of participating businesses d. Incentivize local restaurants to offer discounts to seniors or to allow seniors to split meals without an added fee. Chamber, SMS Number of participating restaurants 2. Generate sufficient opportunities for Salem’s senior residents to voice their concerns and ideas about aging and living in Salem a. Ensure that a senior resident or advocate is included in all city-wide planning processes and initiatives. Special Events Coordinator and DS, DPCD Number of planning processes or initiatives without a senior representative or advocate 20 http://wdcep.com/become-an-age-friendly-business/ 21 http://www.alz.org/documents/scwisc/Dementia_Friendly_Toolkit_WI.pdf ---PAGE BREAK--- 32 b. Create a space in one of the local newspapers for “Seniors Speak Out” and encourage older residents to write opinion pieces on a selected topic. This space can also be used as way of keeping the broader public engaged with the progress of the Salem for All Ages Initiative. Salem News Number of pieces published in this section c. In partnership with the COA, offer support to the organization of senior advocates in Salem by hosting regular meetings of this group or sponsoring events. COA Number of senior advocate group meetings held at the COA 3. Promote reciprocal intergenerational interaction to offset negative stereotypes and stigma related to aging in Salem Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Develop more partnerships between Salem State University and the COA to create local opportunities for intergenerational mentorship. For example, enlist SSU students to host ‘Cyber Senior’ events at the COA to familiarize older adults with Internet sites like Facebook, Skype or Ancestry.com. SSU, COA, B&G Club, OnPoint Number of Cyber Senior events hosted with Salem State University students b. Create opportunities to partner with the Salem School District about Age Friendly Salem and highlight ways that older volunteers can be involved in the schools. SPS Number of older volunteers within the school system c. Activate the existing faith communities in Salem to create a universal group with opportunities for activities among seniors and younger generations. For example, create a life-skills sharing program that includes seniors teaching younger residents about cooking, sewing, art or basic budget/book- keeping skills. Local faith leaders, YMCA, B&G Club, OnPoint Establishment of the program d. Create opportunities for language conversation tables between seniors and youth in Salem. Connect Spanish SSU, SHS, LLC, LAC Establishment of the program ---PAGE BREAK--- 33 speaking seniors with students studying Spanish at Salem State University or connect English-as-a- second-language (ESL) students at SSU with English-speaking senior volunteers to have conversation. For example, see 8Centric22 as an example from Boston. e. Promote community pride and impact the perception of age in Salem by creating a “Salem Senior Service Award” to recognize seniors in the community who are formally or informally making a difference in their neighborhoods. Mayor Number of award nominees 4. Sensitize and educate city personnel about older adult issues and especially underserved older adult issues Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Create mechanisms by which Spanish language interpreters are accessible in municipal buildings. Mayor, LAC, HR Number of interpreters available to City Hall b. For the purpose of improving inclusion of the Latino population in Salem, require professional development training in cultural competency to be obtained by City employees with direct contact with residents. Engage Latino residents of Salem in the identification and administration of such a training program. Mayor, LAC, HR Number of City staff trained c. Working with emergency response personnel, provide ‘Senior Awareness Training’ to make City employees aware of the issues seniors face (falls, dementia, first aid or CPR training). Expand training to include local transportation drivers as well. SPD, SFD, COA, Health Number of City staff trained 22 http://www.8centric.org/english-conversation-program/ ---PAGE BREAK--- 34 Age-Friendly Salem: Civic Engagement & Employment Our Vision In order for Salem to become a vibrant and engaging place to grow old, opportunities to be involved in the civic process are necessary. Older residents are a growing resource in Salem and thus an opportunity to draw on this resource for the continued economic growth of Salem should be a priority. Further, some share of Salem residents of all ages and abilities wish to find quality, gainful employment. Part of this vision for an Age-Friendly Salem is to create a community in which older residents are given the opportunity to contribute substantially to the economy of Salem through paid employment, consultancy or mentorship and have the ability to innovate and become successful entrepreneurs. Current Condition Many seniors in Salem work for pay. For example, 35% of survey respondents age 50+ reported working full-time and 21% reported working part-time. This compares to American Community Survey data which indicates that 57% of Salem residents age 45+ are in the labor force (ACS, 2010-14, Table B23001). In addition, a majority of survey respondents (57%) reported participating in volunteer work or civic engagement in Salem. According to a survey conducted by the City of Salem, 63% of members serving on municipal boards, committees, authorities, task forces, and commissions are over the age of 50 and 38% are over the age of 60, suggesting that older residents are already well represented in City leadership positions. Further, there is enthusiasm for volunteering in Salem, with 84% of survey respondents reporting that they felt that having a range of volunteer activities and easy to find information about volunteer opportunities were among the most important opportunities to have in their community. The most frequently reported priority for job related opportunities was having a “range of job opportunities for older adults” (85%) followed closely by “flexible jobs for older adults” Thus, creating additional opportunities for Salem’s senior residents to be involved in leadership is a promising course of action. ---PAGE BREAK--- 35 Recommendations and Action Steps 1. Enhance opportunities for older residents to be civically engaged Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Encourage public groups and municipal departments to review accessibility of their meetings and obtaining information about using age- appropriate language and the principles of “people first” language. See the Inclusion Project for examples of these resources.23 Mayor, Legal, HR Number of participating groups and municipal departments b. Continue to explore ways to expand eligibility or availability of tax work-off positions in Salem. Mayor, Assessor, COA Number of tax-work off positions Number of residents eligible for tax-work off positions c. Encourage public groups and municipal departments to remove barriers for vulnerable segments of the older adult population those with disabilities or limited English proficiency and low-income seniors) to attend public meetings. Mayor, Legal, HR Number of public meetings that specify information about accessibility features available d. Create incentives for local organizations or businesses to offer stipend volunteer programs for seniors in Salem to engage in productive activity. Chamber, SMS Number of older resident volunteers receiving a stipend 23 http://www.inclusionproject.org/nip_userfiles/file/People%20First%20Chart.pdf ---PAGE BREAK--- 36 2. Educate businesses on the value of older workers and debunk stereotypes and that may exist Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Engage North Shore Young Professionals, Salem Chamber of Commerce or other professional organizations to include older residents and learn from their experiences or to provide opportunities for part-time paid work or volunteer opportunities that include a stipend. NSYP, Chamber, SMS, InnoNorth Number of older residents involved b. Host an informational session for City departments and local businesses about the age redistribution of the workforce to include topics like: how to manage millennials and boomers in the same department or how to maximize the value of older workers. Mayor, HR, and Disabilities Commission, Chamber and Partnership Number of attendees at this session 3. Create a city-wide volunteer process and centralized location for the posting of available volunteer opportunities for all Salem residents. Action Item Potential Partner Outcome a. Through a partnership between the COA and local libraries, make this information available in a way that seniors and other residents can easily learn more about these opportunities. COA, SPL, Athenaeum, SSU Library Establishment of partnership. Implementation Approach The next steps for the Salem for All Ages initiative include the prioritization and implementation of the action items outlined in this report. The implementation of this action plan includes two layers of leadership. Led by the Mayor’s Office, a team of City staff, community leaders, stakeholders and decision makers will be invited to participate, in varying capacities, in a Salem for All Ages Task Force. The Task Force will be charged with ensuring that the public, nonprofit and private sectors continue to collaborate to implement ---PAGE BREAK--- 37 these actions towards improving Salem as a place for people of all ages and abilities. Further, this group will also be asked to track progress made toward achieving the measurable outcomes named in this plan. In addition a Salem For All Ages Leadership Board, comprised of specific community leaders, will be tapped, as needed, to execute action items outlined in this report. Appendix II includes details about the membership of these two groups. Specific items have been identified as priorities for Year 1 of the implementation phase. These tasks are outlined in Table 2. In subsequent years, priorities and actions will be outlined by the Task Force as each domain is addressed. Table 2. Salem for All Ages Priority Action Items YEAR 1 1. Designate a committee or hire a consultant to craft a communication plan for Salem, with a specific emphasis on communicating with older residents of all language abilities and to include a strategy for preserving the printing of specific information sources. 2. Using an existing data-gathering mechanism such as the City census, conduct a city- wide mailing to obtain email addresses of all residents of Salem age 60 and older for the creation of an electronic listserv of older residents. 3. Determine if there are improvements that can be made to the long-term use of bricks for sidewalks. For example, explore brick alternatives like red concrete that is stamped to look like brick. Target areas outside senior housing buildings or the COA to pilot these sidewalk improvements. Solicit resident feedback. 4. Generate a Master Plan for the maintenance of all Salem Housing Authority operated units to ensure quality and up-to-code living. 5. Commission a feasibility study of connecting the existing intra-city transportation options (COA van service, seasonal trolley service, SSU shuttle and school busses) together to identify gaps in service and streamline access to the amenities of living in Salem. 6. Create a city-wide volunteer process and centralized location for the posting of available volunteer opportunities for all Salem residents. 7. Initiate a process to ensure that benches are available at all bus stops throughout the City. Begin with the prioritization of bus-stops with high utilization. ---PAGE BREAK--- 38 ---PAGE BREAK--- 39 Appendix I. Potential Partner Organizations, by acronym B&G Club – Boys & Girls Club of Greater Salem Chamber – Salem Chamber of Commerce COA – Council on Aging DPCD – City of Salem Department of Planning & Community Development DPS – City of Salem Department of Public Services DS – Destination Salem HR – City of Salem Human Resources Department ISD – City of Salem Inspectional Services Department IT/CIO – City of Salem Information Technology Department/Chief Information Officer LAC – City of Salem Latino Affairs Coordinator Legal – City of Salem Legal Department Licensing – City of Salem Licensing Department LLC – Latino Leadership Coalition MAPC – Metropolitan Area Planning Commission MassDOT – Massachusetts Department of Transportation Mayor – City of Salem Office of the Mayor MBTA – Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority MiM – City of Salem Mass in Motion Program NIAC – City of Salem Neighborhood Improvement Advisory Council – North Shore Community Development Coalition NSCH – North Shore Community Health NSES – North Shore Elder Services NSMC – North Shore Medical Center NSYP – North Shore Young Professionals PB – City of Salem Planning Board PEM – Peabody Essex Museum PRCS – City of Salem Parks, Recreation, and Community Services SAA – Salem Arts Association SATV – Salem Access Television SFD – Salem Fire Department SHA – Salem Housing Authority SHS – Salem High School SMS – Salem Main Streets SPD – Salem Police Department SPD CIU – Salem Police Department Community Impact Unit SPL – Salem Public Library SPS – Salem Public Schools SSU – Salem State University SSUNAC – Salem State University Neighborhood Advisory Committee Traffic & Parking – City of Salem Traffic & Parking Department YMCA – Salem YMCA ZBA – City of Salem Zoning Board of Appeals ---PAGE BREAK--- 40 Appendix II. Members of the Salem for All Ages Leadership Salem for All Ages Task Force Dominick Pangallo Chief of Staff, Mayor’s Office Mayor Meredith McDonald Executive Director, Salem Council on Aging Patricia O'Brien Director, Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Kay Walsh Immediate Past President, North Shore Elder Services Charity Lezama Executive Director, Salem YMCA Tara Mansfield Director, Salem Public Library Debra Tucker Assistant Executive Director, Salem Housing Authority Debra Lobsitz Chair, Salem Commission on Disabilities Victoria Shams Vice-President of the Salem Latino Coalition Kerry Murphy Healthy Lifestyles Coordinator, Mass in Motion Russell Findley Built Environment Coordinator, Mass in Motion Jeramie Silviera Professor, Salem State University Patricia Zaido Community Representative Salem for All Ages Leadership Board Kim Driscoll Mayor, City of Salem Patricia Meservey President, Salem State University Jeanne Louizos President, Salem State University’s Explorers in Lifelong Learning Rinus Oosthoek Executive Director, Salem Chamber of Commerce Robert Norton CEO, North Shore Medical Center Margaret Brennan CEO, North Shore Community Health Center Elizabeth Debski Executive Director, Salem Partnership Josh Turiel President, Salem City Council Lynda Hartigan Deputy Director, Peabody Essex Museum Mickey Northcutt CEO, North Shore community development coalition Jeff Cohen Chairman, Salem No Place for Hate Committee Tom Daniel Salem City Planner Linda Coffill Chair, Board of Directors, Salem Council on Aging Margarita Ruiz Superintendent, Salem Public Schools Paul Lanzikos Executive Director, North Shore Elder Services Judith Kane Administrator, Brookhouse Home Heidi Whear Director of Regional Relations, John Bertram House Rosaleen Doherty Owner, Home at Last