Successfully managing the changing needs of residents over a lifetime is always challenging – but more so in a rural area like ours. The region lacks accessible transportation and housing variety, requires longer travel to access health and community services or attractions, and lags in technological infrastructure that makes communication and information-sharing easy.

The size and diversity of the county demands a more coordinated, cost-effective approach for product and service delivery to residents, that keeps pace with advances in technology, health and lifestyle choices.  The challenges will require collaboration and fundamental change — on the part of our governments, institutions, non-profits, businesses and citizens.

Our Age Friendly Berkshires Action Plan provides a blueprint for our 32 cities and towns for a more “age-friendly” future  for all.  Over the coming years, all our efforts will focus on improving regional assets, programs and resources to find innovative solutions to improve all aspects of community life.