The Massachusetts Association for Councils on Aging hosted Governor Charlie Baker as their featured keynote speaker on the first day of their three-day conference and the Governor delivered a major victory for the Age- and Dementia Friendly movement during his remarks.

The Governor stated his commitment to strengthening the work of Age- and Dementia Friendly Communities by voicing an intent to add the issue to the menu of options cities and towns may choose on their Community Compact agreements.

According to the Governor’s website, the Community Compact is a voluntary, mutual agreement entered into between the Baker-Polito Administration and individual cities and towns of the Commonwealth.

In a Community Compact, a community will agree to implement at least one best practice that they select from across a variety of areas. The community’s chosen best practice(s) will be reviewed between the Commonwealth and the municipality to ensure that the best practice(s) chosen are unique to the municipality and reflect needed areas of improvement. Once approved, the written agreement will be generated and signed by both the municipality and the Commonwealth. The Compact also articulates the commitments the Commonwealth will make on behalf of all communities.

The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative looks forward to working with the Administration and thanks the Governor for his commitment and support of advancing healthy aging best practices in the Commonwealth.