A new report, “Aging Strong for All: Examining Aging Equity in the City of Boston,” by researchers at the University of Massachusetts Boston, documents disparities across three dimensions that impact quality of life — economic security, health, social engagement — and identifies opportunities for stakeholders to ensure an environment in which “aging strong” is possible for all Boston residents. Continue reading
All posts by James Fuccione
New Alzheimer’s Association Report Examines Racial and Ethnic Attitudes on Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, an annual report released by the Alzheimer’s Association, reveals the burden of Alzheimer’s and dementia on individuals, caregivers, government and the nation’s health care system. Continue reading
State Funding Awards for Housing, Transportation and Community Services Include Strong Support for Older Adults
In the past week, the state has announced the latest grant awards for MassDOT’s Shared Winter Streets and Spaces program, Affordable Housing Development, and Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) – all of which include multiple projects that support older adults.
All of the following award announcements are great examples for age- and dementia friendly communities looking to address housing, transportation and community services.
AARP Connects Age-Friendly Communities with Resources to Promote Equity
AARP’s Equity by Design global dialogue series highlighted critical lessons and opportunities from the pandemic to catalyze action among professionals in the fields that shape the physical housing and communities where we live. Continue reading
MHAC Advances Digital Equity Efforts Through Advocacy Letter
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative (MHAC) continues to promote the concept that technology is a social determinant of health and that older adults need to be included in policy discussions aimed at addressing the digital divide.
Both of those points were central to a letter distributed to the state’s Health Equity Task Force that held a recent public hearing on digital equity. The letter was sent to other state groups and commissions, including the co-chairs of the legislature’s Joint Committee on Elder Affairs. Continue reading
Baker Administration Follows Up Vaccine Equity Announcement with $4.7 Million in Support
The Baker Administration announced a $4.7 million effort to support its vaccine equity initiative announced last week, which focuses on reducing barriers to vaccination in the 20 hardest-hit communities in the Commonwealth.
The Administration will work with Archipelago Strategies Group (ASG) and Health Care for All (HCFA) to best leverage these funds. Continue reading
MassHealth to Provide Members Free Transportation to COVID-19 Vaccinations
MassHealth announced changes to its non-emergency transportation policy to expand eligibility and simplify processes for transportation to and from COVID-19 vaccine appointments.
Older adults enrolled in a Senior Care Options or One Care plan or in a Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) should continue to contact their health plan or PACE provider to request help with transportation. Continue reading
‘A Better City’ Releases Case Study Report on Tactical Public Space Projects
Building on the work of the 2018 Tactical Public Realm Guidelines presented by the City of Boston and A Better City, the latter organization released the Tactical Public Realm Case Studies report.
While the work is centered in Boston, these case studies present lessons for age-and dementia friendly communities across the state that are looking to make better use of public spaces. Continue reading
Upcoming Training, Funding and Support Opportunities for Age/Dementia Friendly Stakeholders
In addition to some timely funding opportunities, the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative is sharing some other upcoming virtual training and support opportunities. Continue reading
Governor Baker Announces Vaccine Equity Initiative, Opens Eligibility to Age 65+
The Baker Administration announced a targeted outreach initiative in 20 cities and towns most disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and $1M to the MA League of Community Health Centers to support vaccination in historically underserved communities.
The Administration also announced separately that individuals ages 65 and older, individuals living with two or more medical conditions that puts them at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19, and residents and staff of senior affordable housing are now eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in Massachusetts. With this announcement, almost 1 million individuals are newly eligible for vaccine. Continue reading