BROOKLYN — The village of Brooklyn and AARP Michigan recently announced that the village has joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, a national movement dedicated to helping communities become great places for people of all ages to live, work, play and grow older.

Through its participation in the network, Brooklyn joins hundreds of communities across the country that are preparing for demographic change and creating places where residents can remain active, engaged and connected throughout every stage of life. Age-friendly communities focus on the features that shape daily life, including housing, transportation, outdoor spaces, social participation, civic engagement, health services and opportunities for connection. Brooklyn joins 14 other Michigan communities in the network.

“Strong communities don’t happen by accident — they happen when neighbors come together and think about what people need to live their best lives,” said Paula D. Cunningham, state director of AARP Michigan. “Whether you’re raising a family, launching a career, caring for a loved one or enjoying retirement, you want a community where you can stay connected, feel valued and have the opportunity to contribute. That’s what age-friendly work is all about.”

Brooklyn is home to approximately 1,450 residents, with about half of the population being 50 or older. 

“With 50 percent of our population over the age of 50, it’s important that we’re mindful of how we can make Brooklyn more age-friendly,” said village manager Matt Swartzlander. “This is just the start of vital work to make sure the village is a place where people of all ages can thrive.” 

The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities provide participating communities with access to planning tools, research, best practices and a global network of leaders working to make communities more livable for people of all ages.

For more information about the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, visit aarp.org/agefriendly.