Boston, Cambridge, and Somerville were among the Massachusetts communities that showed up in AARP's Livability Index "Top 100" that represent strong scores for being age-friendly. The AARP Livability Index Tool was recently updated and draws on more than 50 different...
News: Data and Reports
RAND: Improving the Identification of and Responses to Victims of Elder Mistreatment
Elder mistreatment—which refers to physical, psychological, and sexual abuse; fraud and financial exploitation; and neglect—is a serious public health issue and growing area of concern as the percentage of the U.S. population age 60 and older continues to rise....
Survey Finds that 82% of Older Adults are Dissatisfied with Health Care System
A survey released by Age Wave and The John A. Hartford Foundation reveals widespread dissatisfaction among older adults with the U.S. health care system. Four in five older adults (82%) say the U.S. health care system is not prepared for the growing and changing needs...
NTIA Survey: More Older Adults are Using the Internet
The most recent annual National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) Internet Use Survey shows a significant increase in the number of internet users in the United States—including older adults. The findings were highlighted in a blog post by Older...
Census Bureau Releases Data on Mental Health Struggles Among Older Adults During the Pandemic
Using The Household Pulse Survey, the US Census Bureau recently released data showing that, while older adults experienced fewer mental health challenges than younger adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety and depression levels among those 65 and older varied...
SCAN Foundation Announces ‘Older Adults & Digital Equity Playbook’
With support from the SCAN Foundation, Aspen Digital wrote the Older Adults & Digital Equity playbook after months of consultations with tech companies, community leaders, policymakers, and more. The playbook outlines three crucial pillars: "Inclusive Data for...
Massachusetts Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform: Overview and Implementation Update
A new report from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation provides updates on the Massachusetts Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform (Roadmap), which is a sweeping set of changes aimed at simplifying access and entry to the state’s outpatient behavioral...
Caregiving: Poll reveals who’s providing care and who they’re caring for
More than 1 in 4 people age 50 and older helps take care of at least one family member or friend who has a health issue or disability, according to the National Poll on Healthy Aging conducted by the University of Michigan. In all, 23% of caregivers are caring for an...
AARP Research Examines Attitudes of Older Drivers and ‘Driving Plans’
AARP Research conducted a recent small study with drivers from independent living facilities and senior community centers found that many older drivers may be open to discussing their driving plans with physicians and family members. Older adults and their loved ones...
Survey Deadline Approaching for Refreshing the Massachusetts Age- and Dementia Friendly Action Plan
In-person and virtual listening sessions were held over the summer to gather feedback on refreshing the Massachusetts Age and Dementia Friendly Action Plan. A survey to collect additional input, especially to those unable to attend the listening sessions, is available...