The Hamptons American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Community Group was formed in 2014 to provide Hampton residents with information and resources on healthy aging. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for all adult community members to ensure they have the proper components to manage the mental, physical and societal issues to mature gracefully.

Hamptons AARP works closely with the New York State Chapter of AARP to aid in this mission. In June 2013, Suffolk County joined a growing network of AARP Age-Friendly Communities to help people of all ages stay active and healthy longer. Over the last few years, Hamptons AARP have offered their members free monthly gatherings which address issues such as safe, walkable streets; better housing and transportation options; access to key services; and opportunities for residents to participate in a myriad of recreational community activities. Speakers of various agencies are invited to Hamptons AARP meetings so residents can receive current information on topics of relevance and interest. These meetings also provide a forum for residents to voice their concerns and offer suggestions to make our area an Age-Friendly Community for all generations. Hamptons AARP also includes a planned Long Island Veterans Support Network, which would provide activities as well as healthcare resources to veterans across Long Island.

Recently, Hamptons AARP created the Hamptons Lifelong Arts (HLA) Program which compiles a recreational arts curriculum in collaboration with several well-known instructors in the area. For a nominal membership fee, HLA offers residents unlimited access to classes in singing, music, dancing, fitness, acting, painting, drawing and more. Classes are held in the Fine Arts Building at the Stony Brook Southampton Campus. HLA kicked off a successful first semester in January 2016 with a variety of visual, theater and movement arts courses. The second semester commences in April with expanded programs specifically relating to Parkinson’s disease, dementia/memory loss and fall prevention.

For more information on these initiatives, visit their website.