ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – An Upper Peninsula city is working to create a more livable community for residents of all ages and abilities.
Escanaba is now the 991st member of AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. It is the first city in the U.P. to join the network. Having been interested in becoming part of the network for some time, City Manager Jim McNeil says Escanaba decided to enroll at the recommendation of local AARP members and representatives.
The City will conduct a public assessment to determine the needs of community members ages 50 and older. Officials will also identify services that are already available for older adults and talk with providers—like the Community Action Agency and the YMCA—about ways to fill in the gaps as demand increases.
“The numbers show every year we’re getting a little bit older,” McNeil explained. “Although we’re trying to retain our young people and really grow our population, the reality is we are aging. We need to be prepared for that, try to mitigate some of the challenges that come with an aging population, and connect people with resources too. If you’re going to stay here, let’s make it a little bit easier to live here, a little bit more enjoyable to live here.”
McNeil believes Escanaba’s membership in the Network could make it a more attractive destination for retirees looking for a new city to call home.
“People are migrating all over the country, and this kind of puts Escanaba on a map,” he said. “If you’re looking to relocate in retirement, it might be a really good place to do it.”
The City is developing a survey to gather public input. When the survey is ready, it will be available on escanaba.org. For updates on the survey, follow the City of Escanaba Facebook page.
To learn more about the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, click here.
