Article Source:  San Bruno Age Friendly Community Task Force

San Bruno Age Friendly Task Force Seeking Residents to Participate in one hour Focus Groups

Public health research has shown that the more “livable” a community is, the healthier their residents tend to be.  We have a great community in the heart of one of the best places to live in the Bay Area but can we, as a community, make things even better?  Can we enhance the livability of San Bruno (SB) for their older residents and, by extension, for those of all ages?  Over 2500 communities throughout the United States are beginning to ask this question and they’re coming up with very interesting and promising answers. (Go to AARP Livable Communities Videos for examples and more information.)

The City of San Bruno, with the support of San Mateo County, has partnered with the non-profit Center for Age Friendly Excellence (CAFE) to answer this livability question in ways that are tailored specifically for our town.  So far, CAFE has assisted 26 communities to launch age friendly community initiatives in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties and they are looking forward to doing the same for San Bruno.

An ad hoc San Bruno Age Friendly Community Task Force has been formed that is composed of residents and City staff to work with CAFE to plan and develop San Bruno’s Age Friendly initiative.  Their first step in that process is to recruit San Bruno residents who are 55 years of age or more who would like to share their experience living in San Bruno as it pertains to the following aspects of community life: (1) Transportation, (2) Housing, (3) Communication and Information, (4) Community Support and Health Services, (5) Outdoor Spaces and Buildings, (6) Respect and Inclusion, (7) Volunteer and Employment Opportunities and (8) Social Participation Opportunities (aka “having fun and an interesting, meaningful and socially connected life.”)

Several one hour “age friendly” focus groups are planned throughout the month of September for San Bruno residents aged 55 plus.  Many will be conducted via Zoom/telephone while several others will be in-person at the San Bruno Senior Center.   Upon request, an alternative in-person location for San Bruno residents can be arranged at which to gather and share thoughts on San Bruno’s livability challenges and strengths. 

If you want to contribute your perspective on the livability of SB, contact the San Bruno Senior Center at 650-616-7150 and register for an in-person focus group that will take place at the Center on Friday mornings from 9:30am to 10:30am.   If you are interested in participating in one of the Zoom/phone focus groups or want more information about this new initiative, please send an email to AgeFriendlySB@gmail.com or call Roy Earnest, CAFE’s Associate Director, at 650-438-6378 and leave him a message stating that you are interested in registering for a Zoom/phone focus group discussion.  He’ll get back to you and help you register for a focus group.

 

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR FOCUS GROUP DISCUSSIONS IN SEPTEMBER

 

The San Bruno Age Friendly Community Task Force is recruiting San Bruno residents aged 55 and over to participate in one of the focus group discussions scheduled below about San Bruno’s livability strengths and challenges for older residents.  We want to talk to as diverse a range of residents as possible.  For residents who speak English as a second language, additional sessions with an interpreter can be arranged.

 

During an interesting 1-hour discussion, you will have an opportunity to share your experiences (or those of people you know) with the livability strengths/challenges of living in San Bruno as they pertain to the areas of transportation, housing, civic participation & employment, social participation, communication & information, health services & community support, respect & social inclusion and outdoor spaces & buildings.

 

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SAN BRUNO AGE FRIENDLY COMMUNITY FOCUS GROUPS SCHEDULE FOR SEPTEMBER

 

Friday, September 1, 9:30am to 10:45am, In-Person Focus Group at SB Senior Center

Tuesday, September 5 from 10:00am to 11:15am, Focus Group via Zoom/Phone

Tuesday, September 5 from 6:30pm to 7:45pm, Focus Group via Zoom/Phone

Wednesday, September 6 from 2:00pm to 3:15pm, Focus Group via Zoom/Phone

Friday, September 8 from 9:30am to 10:45am, In-Person Focus Group at SB Senior Center

 

Monday, September 11 from 10:00am to 11:15am, Focus Group via Zoom/Phone

Tuesday, September 12 from 6:30pm to 7:45 pm, Focus Group via Zoom/Phone

 

Monday, September 18 from 10:00am to 11:15am, Focus Group via Zoom/Phone

Tuesday, September 19 from 6:30pm to 7:45pm, Focus Group via Zoom/Phone

Wednesday, September 20 from 3:30pm to 4:45pm via Zoom/Phone

Wednesday, September 20 from 7:00pm to 8:15pm via Zoom/Phone

Thursday, September 21 from 10:00am to 11:15am via Zoom/Phone

Friday, September 22 from 9:30am to 10:45am, In-Person Focus Group at SB Senior Center

 

During the week of September 25 thru 29, focus group can be set up by appointments only

(via in-person, phone or Zoom – your choice!)

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PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED

 

For an in-person focus group at the SB Senior Center, call the center to register at 650-616-7150

 

For a focus group via Zoom, send an email to AgeFriendlySB@gmail.com or call 650-438-6378 stating which Zoom focus group you want to participate in.  We’ll send you a Zoom link for the focus group of your choice.  Note: For those who don’t use zoom, you can still participate in a “zoom discussion” by just using your phone.

 

For focus group discussions during the week of 9/25 thru 9/29, a focus group session can be scheduled, upon request.  Send your request (or any questions) to AgeFriendlySB@gmail.com or call 650-438-6378

 

WHY THESE FOCUS GROUPS ARE IMPORTANT

 

Your participation in one of these focus group discussions will provide valuable input for the San Bruno Age Friendly Community Task Force, city staff and community leaders about the challenges/strengths that San Bruno residents age 55 and over experience as a resident of San Bruno.  This information will be used to consider a variety of specific “age-friendly projects” that will result in making San Bruno an even more livable community than it already is for older adults as well as for residents of all ages.  The goal of this phase of the San Bruno Age Friendly Community initiative is for San Bruno to be certified as an “Age Friendly Community” and a member of the

AARP National Network of Age Friendly States and Communities.

 

Examples of Age Friendly Projects from other Cities

 

ü Monthly newsletter that highlights community resources and opportunities for older adult residents.

ü Workshops on Strategies for Seeking Affordable Housing

ü Workshops (in-person and via zoom) on how to expand your social network.

ü Connect-a-Ride: Affordable, reliable taxi rides for adults to and from important appointments.

ü Age Friendly Business Training and Recognition

ü Pedestrian Safety Community Education Campaign

ü Trusted Riders program that provides reliable chaperones to and from important appointments.

ü Intergenerational Programs

ü Nature Lovers Group for older adults

ü Rest Areas at community events

ü Emergency Preparedness strategies for older adult residents

ü Free Information and Referral consultation for older adults and their caregivers who need support and assistance beyond what their family and friends can provide.

ü A monthly newsletter that focuses on social participation opportunities in San Bruno, also known as the “FUN GUIDE FOR OLDER ADULTS”

ü Partial re-design of local parks to meet interests/needs of older adults

ü Positive Aging workshops.

ü Creation of public spaces that invite casual, informal social interaction.

ü Provision of additional benches and seating in areas where older adults walk.

ü Improvement of crosswalks at busy intersections.

 

For more examples and interesting videos: AARP Livable Communities Videos