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DEL NORTE — Rio Grande Hospital announced today, June 25, that it received an AARP Community Challenge grant to fund innovative, age-friendly projects. 

State data confirms that Colorado’s 60-and-older population has surpassed 1.3 million and is on track to reach 1.5 million by 2030, when seniors will outnumber residents under 18. This demographic shift is largely driven by longtime residents aging in place rather than a massive influx of retirees from other states. 

Rio Grande Hospital proposed an age-friendly wellness route anchored at the Rio Grande Hospital Wellness Center in Del Norte. Building on a newly established trailhead, the project will connect wellness center grounds with existing town walking paths and nearby sidewalks to create a short, welcoming and accessible route designed for adults 50 and older. 

The project will install three to four benches with sunshades and armrests at regular intervals to support rest and mobility needs. In addition, six to eight wayside "Wellness Moments" — small and larger interpretive-style installations — will be placed along the route. These stations will offer simple prompts focused on gentle movement, breath, balance, reflection and social connection outdoors. 

"We are honored to receive this support from AARP and excited to bring the Wellness Route to life," said Arlene Helms, CEO of the Rio Grande Hospital Wellness Center. "This project reflects the Rio Grande Hospital and Wellness Center belief that health happens not only inside healthcare facilities, but throughout our community. By creating welcoming spaces for movement, reflection, and connection, we are investing in the well-being of our residents today and for years to come." 

Together, these improvements will transform an existing walking path into a comfortable, purposeful and inclusive community wellness experience. The route directly benefits residents 50 and older by reducing barriers to physical activity, addressing comfort and accessibility needs, and creating intentional opportunities for social interaction. 

In a rural community where isolation and limited infrastructure can impact older adults, the route provides a free, low-impact and highly visible way to support healthy aging. 

AARP today announced 13 organizations throughout Colorado will receive 2026 Community Challenge grants. Marking the program’s 10th anniversary, the grants are part of an $8.3 million commitment by AARP to fund 750 quick-action projects nationwide aimed at making communities more livable for people of all ages, especially older adults. The funds will support improvements to public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, disaster preparedness and other local priorities that help improve social connections and strengthen neighborhoods and towns of all sizes. 

Projects across Colorado reflect growing demand for practical, local solutions that help residents stay connected, safe and independent. This includes the project at Rio Grande Hospital, where benches and wellness stations will be added along an existing walking route. The enhancements will support rest, movement and social connection outdoors. 

"Communities across Colorado are eager for solutions that boost mobility, connection and quality of life," said Marissa Volpe, associate state director for livable communities. "Thanks to Community Challenge grants, we’re empowering residents to implement impactful improvements that make a sizeable difference." 

Since 2017, the AARP Community Challenge has awarded $639,657 through 53 grants in Colorado to nonprofit organizations and local government entities. Grant projects will be funded in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.