Mac users: Increase text size by holding command and +. Decrease text size by holding command and -.Having access to arts and cultural opportunities is an important part of communities and regions being healthy and engaging places for people of all ages. The Cultural Facilities Fund has supported 617 capital projects and 259 planning projects in 216 cities and towns across Massachusetts that have created such access. Continue reading
Category Archives: Systems and Best Practices
AARP Releases Guide to Creating Age-Friendly Parks and Public Spaces
AARP’s Livable Communities team has released a free, step-by-step guide to developing fun, safe and healthy outdoor places. Continue reading
Topsfield Fair Becomes First Dementia Friendly Fair in the Country on its 200th Anniversary
On it’s 200th anniversary, the Topsfield Fair, the olderst agricultural fair in the country, will also be the first to become “Dementia Friendly.” Continue reading
ASA Webinar Opportunity: How to Talk Elder Abuse
Over the past two years, the FrameWorks Institute worked with the National Center on Elder Abuse to create a communication strategy that demonstrates how communities can restructure to put elder abuse on the public agenda, generate a sense of collective efficacy on the issue, and boost support for systemic solutions to prevent and address abuse. Continue reading
City of Salem Completes Shuttle Feasibility Study
The Friends of the Salem Council on Aging, the City of Salem and its consultant, TransAction Associates, have completed a feasibility study of an intra-city shuttle. The concept of a shuttle is an important action step in the implementation of the City’s landmark Salem For All Ages Action Plan. The study was funded by a Tufts Health Plan Foundation grant that was awarded to the Friends of the Salem Council on Aging. A working group of over twenty stakeholders helped guide the study. Continue reading
Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley Recognized by RetirementJobs.com as an Age-Friendly Employer
Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley has earned the special distinction of being certified as an Age Friendly Employer for 2018. The Research Group at RetirementJobs.com carefully reviewed the polices, practices and programs of Elder Services, finding them consistent with the employment needs of people age 50 and older.
“Our Certification indicates an employer’s recognition of the unique value of age 50+ workers as well as their commitment to take affirmative action in providing meaningful employment, development opportunities and competitive pay and benefits,” says Camille Grabowski, Director of Research & Certification for RetirementJobs.com. The RetirementJobs.com certification program has been recognized by the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging and AARP. Continue reading
Gov. Baker Signs Nation-Leading Law to Strengthen Alzheimer’s, Dementia Treatment
Governor Baker was joined by members of the Administration, Legislature and healthy aging community today at the ceremonial signing of H.4116 An Act relative to Alzheimer’s and related dementias in the Commonwealth during an event at the Alzheimer’s Association in Waltham. Continue reading
Resources for Achieving Health Equity in Age-Friendly Communities
At MHAC, health equity is central to our promotion and support of Age-Friendly communities that work for all. Among our core strategies is a focus on embedding access, equity and inclusion throughout our efforts.
This set of resources from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation can benefit those helping to guide their cities and towns towards becoming more Age- and Dementia Friendly. The site provides helpful knowledge of what it means to have health equity present in a community, and how stakeholders can take steps to achieve it. Continue reading
Join the Upcoming ASA Webinar on “Re-framing Aging” Messaging Strategies
The FrameWorks Institute conducted a national multiyear project with leading aging organizations to identify the way members of the public think and talk about aging.
Join the American Society on Aging (ASA) on Thursday, August 16th as they continue the exploration of the Reframing Aging Project and take a deeper review of the evidence-based strategies developed from this research for communicating more effectively about aging-related issues. Learn how to frame your messages and what cues to avoid to help people think more like experts do about ageism, demographic change, elder abuse and other policy issues. Continue reading
Three MA Projects Awarded AARP Community Challenge Grants
Three projects in Massachusetts – Old Colony YMCA, Pioneer Valley Transit Authority, and Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell – were awarded grants from the national AARP Community Challenge. In its second year, AARP received more than 1,600 applications from nonprofits and government entities from across the country, resulting in a highly competitive selection process. Continue reading