The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative was joined by a range of statewide and national partners working to advance inclusive age-and dementia friendly communities in a Twitter Chat that focused on “Equity in Aging.” Continue reading
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News
Mobile Wi-Fi Hotspots Available at Libraries Across State with Opportunities for Collaboration
The Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners recently announced that local libraries across the state are loaning out Wi-Fi hotspots, which are devices that you can take with you to access the internet from wherever you are.
Mobile Wi-Fi hotspots connect to cellular data the same where a smart phone does to create a secure and reliable internet connection for devices that need one. This presents an opportunity to address digital equity among older adults. Continue reading
Age-Friendly Funding Alert: Local Cultural Council Program
In FY22, Mass Cultural Council will invest $4.8 million into the Local Cultural Council (LCC) Program, the nation’s largest grassroots cultural funding network. This represents a great opportunity for age- and dementia friendly communities to connect older adults to arts and cultural sites and events. It also carries opportunity for promoting intergenerational activity. Continue reading
CMS Promoting Medicare Open Enrollment thru Dec. 7
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is reminding people with Medicare that Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15, 2021, and now is the time to review their coverage options and make a choice that meets their health care needs. Medicare’s Open Enrollment period gives those who rely on Medicare the opportunity to make changes to their health plans or prescription drug plans, pick a Medicare Advantage Plan, or return to Original Medicare. Continue reading
AARP Survey Highlights Tech Adoption and Perceived Barriers Among Grandparents
During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, significantly more grandparents than non-grandparents purchased smartphones (32% vs. 22%) and Smart TVs (24% vs. 11%) than they did in the 12-months prior, according to AARP research.
Ranking the top barriers to adopting new technology, survey respondents identified cost (28%), lack of knowledge (24%), and privacy issues (22%) at the top of the list. Continue reading
8-80 Cities, AARP Create New ‘Winter Placemaking’ Guide for Creating Inclusive Public Spaces During Colder Months
In an effort to encourage communities to plan for embracing the winter season, 8-80 Cities teamed up with AARP to create a new Winter Placemaking Guide, which seeks to address the distinct winter challenges that communities of all sizes experience, offering practical solutions to create more equitable, engaging and age-friendly public spaces during the winter season. Continue reading
MHAC Adds New Webpage Focused on Digital Equity and Older Adults
Alongside the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Technology Subcommittee of the Task Force to End Loneliness and Build Community, the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative added a new webpage with an evolving list of resources aimed at addressing digital equity and older adults. Continue reading
Dementia Friendly Transportation Driver Training Available Free via MCOA, MassMobility and Alzheimer’s Association
Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA), MassMobility, and the Alzheimer’s Association are pleased to announce an encore of the highly popular training session for drivers. The Dementia-Friendly Transportation Training program will offer drivers of all types, the tools to recognize and work with people living with dementia. Continue reading
Join MHAC Twitter Chat on 10/20 Focused on Equity in Aging
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative is hosting a Twitter Chat with several partners, including Health Resources in Action, to raise awareness of our collective efforts to promote Equity in Aging and create inclusive age- and dementia friendly communities. Continue reading
Mass. Senate Releases “Reimagining the Future of Massachusetts” Report with Focus on Digital Equity, Intergenerational Activity and Caregiving
Following a series of listening sessions held during the pandemic, the Senate Committee on Reimagining Massachusetts Post-Pandemic Resiliency released its report with policy and spending recommendations on everything from rental assistance to digital equity. Continue reading