BIDDEFORD —As more cities and towns across Maine are taking steps to address issues affecting senior residents, Biddeford’s Age Friendly Committee is moving forward in an effort to engage older adults in community activities and provide inclusive support for aging neighbors.

According to Linda Waters, Biddeford Community Development Coordinator, the city conducted a lengthy age-friendly survey of senior residents that wrapped up in November 2017. The survey asked what issues are most important to senior residents and what areas can be improved upon locally to make Biddeford a great place to grow old and is age-friendly for everyone.

Waters said that AARP designated Biddeford as an Age Friendly Community last year and as a result of the survey, two focus groups have been scheduled to receive direct input from citizens regarding issues and needs concerning seniors and what steps could be initiated to best address those needs. 

“Our next step is to listen to people who will tell us what projects to move forward with,” Waters said.

She said that some areas identified as needs by preliminary survey results are local transportation and information about how to access available services. 

“The committee will be developing its plan during the next couple of months from the input received at the two focus groups,” Waters said.

The survey also revealed that many Biddeford seniors are concerned about having clearly marked signage on buildings, easier access to some buildings, receiving timely information about community activites and a strong desire by older residents to live close to medical care facilities, shopping and churches.

Those surveyed also are interested in being able to navigate safely on city sidewalks and streets and more personal issues such as the availability of home-delivered meals and home safety checks.

Biddeford’s upcoming focus groups will be conducted by Amy Flowers of Analytic Insight. 

Waters said that everyone is welcome to particpate in the focus groups. One will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14, in Room 8 at the Ross Community Center on Alfred Street, while the other will be conducted at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at the McArthur Library on Main Street. There will be raffles and light refreshments for participants at both focus groups. 

“We’re concerned not only with those in their mid- to late-60s, but we also want to hear from those age 50 or over to determine what they will need in 10 or 15 years,” Waters said. “Making Biddeford  age-friendly is an effective approach for responding to our aging population. Physical and social environments are key factors in helping our residents to remain healthy, independent and autonomous long into old age.”

For questions about the upcoming focus groups or Biddeford’s Age Friendly Program, call Waters at  284-9105 or send an email to lwaters@biddefordmaine.org.

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at editor@journaltribune.com.