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Barnstable County Becomes Part of AARP’s Age-Friendly Network

A Milestone Reflecting the County’s Dedication to Improving Quality of Life for Residents of All Ages

January 16, 2025 (Barnstable, MA) – Barnstable County is proud to announce its official enrollment as the 960th community in the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. By joining the AARP Network Barnstable County gains access to valuable resources, including national and global research, planning models, and best practices. These tools provide a structured framework to guide change and drive improvements that benefit residents across all stages of life.

The AARP age-friendly network encourages states, counties, cities, towns, and rural areas to understand and prepare for the rapid aging of the nation’s population. Through this initiative, elected officials and community leaders work together to strengthen their community’s features and services that foster livable communities, from childhood through retirement.

“This enrollment reflects Barnstable County’s dedication to creating a more inclusive and supportive community for residents of all ages,” said Mandi Speakman, Deputy Director of Barnstable County’s Department of Human Services. “Through our collaborative effort Healthy Aging Cape Cod (HACC) we are committed to working with AARP and leveraging this network to promote safety, accessibility, and engagement for everyone. Our goal is to help make Cape Cod a place where people can live and grow older with dignity”. Ms. Speakman also pointed out that an important aspect of this effort is integrating the specific needs of people living with dementia to collectively improve regional resilience and service provision for older adults and their care partners. 

For more information about the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, please visit AARP.org/AgeFriendly. For more information about Healthy Aging Cape Cod (HACC), visit https://www.capecod.gov/healthyagingcapecod or contact Mandi Speakman by phone at (508) 470-4936 or by email at mandi.speakman@capecod.gov.

ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY DERPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES 

The mission of the Department of Human Services is to plan, develop, and implement programs that enhance the overall delivery of human services in Barnstable County and promote the health and social well-being of County residents through regional efforts that improve coordination of services. For more information, visit us at:

ABOUT BARNSTABLE COUNTY REGIONAL GOVERNMENT OF CAPE COD

Barnstable County provides exemplary government functions and services to keep our community healthy and safe, promote sustainable growth, and offers a proactive, open government that enhances the quality of life for the citizens of Barnstable County. Learn more at http://www.capecod.gov.

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