Livable Dedham is working closely with the Director of the Council on Aging and other Town Departments such as The Planning Department; Parks & Recreation; the Public Library; and the Department of Public Works to increase programs and activities for older adults and create Age- Friendly town infrastructure. The Senior Center and the library currently provide a range of programming; Livable Dedham is partnering with both organizations to develop additional resources for older adults. Livable Dedham is also working closely with the Department of Public Works and walk audit teams to adopt Complete Streets Policy; and the Planning Department to promote additional housing options and community supports. Livable Dedham’s efforts aim to ensure that the community and residents reap the benefits of becoming an Age-Friendly community. Action items aim to enhance the physical and social environment with the following projected outcomes:1) Increased desirability of Dedham as a great place to grow up and grow old. 2) Improved town infrastructure to support physical needs of Dedham’s aging population (e.g., housing, transportation, walkability, parks). 3) Increased programs, activities, support services, and volunteerism to promote wellness, engagement, inclusion, and vitality. 4) Improved intergenerational interaction and communication. 5) Expanded communication channels to promote awareness of programs and services among older residents. 6) Increased local, state, and national partnerships to ensure continued funding for, and focus on, the needs of older residents.

Since 2015, Livable Dedham has engaged residents through a survey, multiple in-person forums, community walk audits, stakeholder meetings, and Facebook. In 2017, Livable Dedham launched a website and initiated a 6-month Strategic Planning process with the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston.