Tufts Health Plan Foundation is investing $250,000 over the next five years to accelerate Massachusetts’ age-friendly efforts. The announcement came during the AARP Massachusetts 2018 Volunteer Engagement Conference, where Governor Charlie Baker also released the initial blueprint of recommendations by the Governor’s Council to Address Aging in Massachusetts.
Tufts Health Plan Foundation is the only regional funder focused solely on healthy aging, supporting efforts to build communities that thrive and work for people of all ages.
“Many of Massachusetts’ older adults have the time, energy and talent available to start a second or third career, volunteer in their community, become a mentor or pursue an unfulfilled passion,” said Governor Baker. “We are fortunate to work with groups like Tufts Health Plan Foundation who are willing to provide their time, energy and support to help make Massachusetts a leader on aging.”
“Tufts Health Plan Foundation has established a reputation for collaboration and new approaches to challenging issues,” said Tom Croswell, chief executive officer, Tufts Health Plan. “This funding reinforces our commitment to communities throughout the state; the leadership of our partners in this effort; and the strong momentum we are seeing in the age-friendly movement in Massachusetts.”
More than 100 Massachusetts communities—in rural, suburban and urban areas—have already adopted policies and practices to make their cities and towns better places for all residents, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation or socio-economic background. This funding will build on recommendations emerging from the Governor’s Council’s blueprint and broader partnerships that are working on the age-friendly plan.
“We want to thank Governor Baker for his leadership and for taking this important step in making Massachusetts a great state to grow up and grow old,” said Thomas P. O’Neill, III, who chairs the Foundation board. “Our communities are fortunate to have dedicated partners who tap into the wisdom of older people and include them in planning for the future.”
“We hope other funders and philanthropies will join us in supporting efforts that improve the livability of our communities,” continued Nora Moreno Cargie, president of the Foundation and also a member of the Governor’s Council. “By addressing the inequities we see, we make it more possible for older adults to live healthier, fulfilling lives.”
Governor Baker accepted a certificate recognizing Massachusetts’ entry into AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States. Massachusetts is one of only two states in the network.