By Andrea Palmer, AARP-MI

In recent AARP research, nearly 90% of the 45+ population indicated they would like to stay in their community for as long as possible and that it is important for them to remain near their family and friends, and be able to access services they need.

Livable Communities are places where people of all ages and abilities have, among other things, a range of travel choices to get safely where they need and want to go.  These choices – walking, biking, driving and public transportation – help people stay connected and healthy.  In a truly livable community, streets are built for people, not for cars, and downtowns are built for lingering and enjoyment, not for vehicle thru-put and getting commuters home faster after work.

You are invited to join AARP-MI and Dan Burden, Executive Director, Walkable and Livable Communities Institute, for an Active Living Workshop on Tuesday, September 27, 2011 from 8:30am – 2:30pm at Greater Grace Temple Banquet Center, 23500 Seven Mile, Detroit, MI 48219.

The goal of this workshop is to bring community leaders, elected officials and government staff together to engage in making their streets and neighborhoods more walkable and livable. The workshop will also illustrate through examples and audits how walkablility and livability benefit a community and how they can be achieved. Each participant will be inspired to become involved in the movement of active living. The workshop will focus on building healthy communities by applying the principles of active transportation, smart growth and complete streets.

If you would like to register for or learn more about the workshop, please contact Andrea Palmer at [email protected] or 1-866-227-7448.  Responses are needed by September 23, 2011.

We hope that you or your representative will participate with AARP in this important community workshop.