Salem Mayor Kim Driscoll marked the five-year anniversary of Salem for All Ages this week featured in an article in the Salem News. She noted, in particular, the ongoing work within our elderly community as our city has faced challenges in terms of protecting the health and interconnectedness of our older residents during the ongoing pandemic.
Mayor Driscoll also notes in the article how the efforts of Salem for All Ages have strengthened our community through volunteerism and civic engagement focusing on inclusion and respect. She particularly mentioned the Salem for All Ages Leadership Council, which is comprised of public officials, community leaders, and the heads of nonprofits and businesses including Brookhouse Home Administrator Judy Kane. Mayor Driscoll thanked the council members for helping prioritize the ongoing work and the organization’s growth and trajectory over the past five years.
According to the World Health Organization ( WHO), an age-friendly city is a place that makes a conscious effort to encourage active aging, a place that provides opportunities for such things as good health, inclusion, and security. It’s a place that enhances the quality of life for people as they age.
In Salem, according to a statement from Salem for All Ages ‘we believe that an age-friendly city is a city for all ages. We believe that whether it’s a park bench, adequate transportation, or excellent health services, these things will help the elderly but they’ll help everyone who lives in Salem thus we call our initiative Salem for all ages.’
