The desire to remain in our homes and communities as we age is nearly universal, and good ideas have no borders. As the world’s population gets permanently older, there is a growing need for safe, supportive housing and housing-related services and arrangements to...
News: Data and Reports
2019 ‘Dangerous by Design’ Report Ranks States and Metro Areas for Pedestrian Safety
The 2019 Dangerous by Design report ranks states and metropolitan areas throughout the United States according to how dangerous the roadways are for pedestrians. Published by Smart Growth America and the National Complete Streets Coalition, with support from AARP,...
AARP Research: Embracing Friendships Across Generations
Americans are reaching across generations for meaningful friendships, a new AARP survey finds. Although it’s most common to socialize with peers, 37% of adults say they have a close friend who is at least 15 years older or younger than they are. The connections vary...
CDC: Fall Deaths Increase among U.S. Adults Aged 75 Years or Older
A letter published by the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) reports that the number of fall deaths among U.S. adults aged 75 years or older almost tripled from 2000 to 2016. The study analyzed nationally representative vital statistics data and found...
Study: Local Zoning Rules Block Multi-Family Housing in MA
Over the past 15 years, despite many changes in local zoning, it remains difficult if not impossible to build multi-family housing in cities and towns across Metro Boston, according to a detailed study on development released this week. Due to a combination of local...
Access to Amenities Impacts Social Isolation and Sense of Community
Americans who live in closer proximity to community parks, libraries, restaurants, and theaters are more content with their neighborhood, more trusting of others, and less lonely regardless of whether they live in large cities, suburbs, or small cities or towns. This...
‘Faces of MassHealth’ Report Reveals Stats on Diversity and Age of Enrollees
More than 1 in 3 adults enrolled in MassHealth are seniors or eligible on the basis of a disability, according to a new report called "Faces of MassHealth: Portrait of a Diverse Population." The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation collaborated with...
‘Changing Faces of Greater Boston’ Report Highlights Increasing Diversity in the Region
A new report provides improved perspective and data on the increasing racial and ethnic diversity of Greater Boston, which is especially important as communities in that region work to create inclusive Age- and Dementia Friendly environments. Changing Faces of Greater...
National Poll on Healthy Aging: Almost Half of Older Adults Think They’ll Develop Dementia
Nearly half of adults ages 50-80 think they are likely to develop dementia sometime in their life, according to a new poll. Nearly 75% of adults reported engaging in some kind of activity to help with dementia — including playing brain games or taking nutritional...
CMS Revises Rating System for Nursing Homes
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced major revisions to the Nursing Home Compare website and the Five-Star Quality Rating System. The Medicare Compare tool, which is also available for other providers like physicians and home health...