Are you one of the nearly 9,000 people age 55 and older in Dartmouth? If so, town officials want to hear from you.

In the next few weeks, a newly formed steering committee will kick off a major data-collection campaign to turn Dartmouth into an “age friendly” community. The goal is to ensure the town is providing enough services and support to help residents "age in place," meaning residents can comfortably and safely live in their own homes throughout the aging process.

To do that, a survey has been drafted to identify areas that need improvement. Through a partnership with the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth nursing program, graduate and undergraduate nursing students will be on hand at the Senior Center on Tuesdays from 12-3 p.m. starting on January 30 to help seniors take the survey.

Letters will also be sent to residents in the next week detailing the survey, and links to an online version will be posted on social media and the town’s website.

It’s all part of an effort to join the AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly Communities. According to census records, 8,900 Dartmouth residents are age 55 and over. With that number expected to grow, it’s one of the main reasons town Administrator David Cressman sought to bring the initiative to Dartmouth.

“We realize one of the largest cohort groups we’ve ever experienced, [Baby Boomers,] are now moving into that whole senior age group,” Cressman said.

The AARP and World Health Organization program creates standards for cities and towns to make communities better prepared for the growing aging population. The organizations have identified eight key “domains of livability” that, if implemented successfully, allow community members to “age in place” where they live.

Those domains include access to outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community and health services.

The five-year process is being overseen by a newly formed Age Friendly Community Steering Committee, which held its inaugural meeting on January 17.

Dartmouth Director of Development and steering committee member Deborah Melino-Wender said Dartmouth is right in the middle when measuring the town’s adherence to the eight domains, noting that transportation and accessibility are two key areas the town likely needs improvement in.

Through the survey, Melino-Wender said the goal is to receive feedback from as many residents 55 and over as possible to cover a broad base.

The survey will lead to the formation of an action plan, which identifies specific steps the town will take to adopt the eight domains of livability.

Starting from input from town agencies and officials, the committee has assembled a preliminary draft action plan, although Melino-Wender stressed it will be shaped by survey and community input throughout the process.

The draft document touches upon on each domain, from housing with recommendations of expanding affordable housing and homeowner maintenance programs, to transportation with more public transit and pedestrian safety options.

In outdoor spaces and buildings, ideas include developing more senior programming in parks, providing more shady areas, and examining Parks and Recreation facilities for access for all age and ability groups.

The draft document also includes providing more community support and health services, developing a communication strategy, identify and fill gaps in services for social participation, promote age-friendly business environments and intergenerational interaction within the community, and encourage businesses to meet the needs of seniors with flexible work opportunities and volunteering options.

Once the survey begin, Melino-Wender said the steering committee will be meeting with university students and seeing how the process is going at its next meeting.