Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced the launch of the Age Strong Commission, formerly known as the Commission on Affairs of the Elderly, at his annual State of the City address. The new name reflects the City’s efforts to make Boston inclusive, accessible and positive for people as they age. Continue reading
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News
AARP Releases Sixth and Final Livability Workbook on Economic Development
In the final installment of AARP’s “Roadmap to Livability” workbook series, the focus is on helping communities thrive through economic development. Continue reading
MassTrails: Applications due February 1 for Bike and Pedestrian Trail Projects Competitive Funding
The Mass. Healthy Aging Collaborative is supporting MassDOT in reminding the public that February 1, 2019 is the application deadline for funding from the Baker-Polito Administration’s MassTrails Program, a competitive funding program which will allow municipal and public entities to expand and connect networks of off-road, shared-use pathways and recreational trails in Massachusetts. Continue reading
Mass Municipal Association Includes ADU Bylaws in 2019 Best Practice Series
At its annual conference on January 18-19, the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) will release the fourth edition of its municipal Best Practices series.
The 2018 edition of the publication included “Age and Dementia Friendly Communities” as a best practice that cities and towns can pursue. The 2019 version includes a recommendation that communities review and update their bylaws pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Continue reading
Age-Friendly News Clips: November and December 2018
Periodically, the Healthy Aging Collaborative will share news articles that mention state and local efforts to make cities, towns and regions in Massachusetts Age- and Dementia Friendly.
Check out the following articles from the last two months of 2018 (through Jan 7) on the momentum of this movement building across the state.
- The graying of Swampscott (Wicked Local/Swampscott Reporter)
- Mashpee Senior Center – Barnstable County’s Healthy Aging Survey (Mashpee Enterprise)
- All Ages Committee Appointed in Swampscott, Plans for a more Inclusive Community (Daily Item)
- Column: Salem for all ages (Salem News)
- Mass. AARP Names New President (Barnstable Patriot)
- Windsor moves to address isolation of older rural residents (The Berkshire Eagle)
- Health Officials: Average Life Expectancy Rises in Massachusetts (NBC10-Boston)
- Methuen approves housing production plan (The Eagle-Tribune)
- Brookline Select Board Approves Higher Property Taxes (Brookline Patch)
- $20k to Help Answer How to Aid Aging on Cape Ann (Gloucester Times)
- Business Briefs: Villages in the Berkshires Receives Grant (The Berkshire Edge)
- County Will Seek Additional Funds from Island Towns (Vineyard Gazette)
- Healthy Aging Shares Initiatives at Annual Meeting (MV Times)
- Wenham Recognized as ‘Age-Friendly’ by AARP (Wicked Local Hamilton)
- Norwell COA Pushing Towards an ‘Age-Friendly’ Town (Norwell Mariner/Wicked Local Norwell)
- Fund Created to Provide Trips, Activities for Easton’s Veterans (Wicked Local Easton)
- Town, Food Pantry Partner to Better Connect Residents with Services (The Salem News)
- Dalton Senior Center Cuts Ribbon on New Exercise Park (iBerkshires)
- A Delay in Approving School Projects Will Raise Costs (Cape Cod Times)
- Dementia Friendly Community Means ‘Treating People with Kindness’ (South Coast Today)
- Town Needs Renovated Senior Center (Andover Townsman)
- The Burgeoning Trend of Age-Friendly States (Forbes/Next Avenue)
- Salem Creates Website to Serve Elders (Boston Globe)
- A Salute to Veterans at Dennis-Yarmouth High School (Wicked Local Dennis)
CDC Releases MyMobility Planning Tool for Older Adults
With aging might come changes in older adults’ ability to get around and do the things they want and need to do. These mobility changes may affect older adults’ health and independence and are related to an increased risk of falls and motor vehicle crashes—the two leading causes of older adult injury. Continue reading
MassDOT Announces Draft State Bicycle Transportation Plan Online
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that the Draft Massachusetts Bicycle Transportation Plan is now available for public comment. Members of the public may review the plan and provide feedback online here. Comments are due by January 31st. Continue reading
‘Giving Voice’ Initiative Helps Choirs Include People Living with Dementia
Thanks to The Giving Voice Initiative, communities seeking to become Age- and Dementia Friendly have another way to be inclusive. The organization provides a free toolkit to help communities establish choirs that actively recruit participants living with memory loss and their care partners. Continue reading
Tufts Health Plan Foundation Awards $1.2 Million to 11 Community Organizations
Tufts Health Plan Foundation continues its commitment to healthy aging and communities with an announcement of 11 new community investments. In total, the grants exceed $1.2 million and reflect the Foundation’s dedication to advancing policies and practices that support healthy aging. These investments are in addition to more than $2 million in previously announced work. Continue reading
In Good Company Challenge Announces Winners of 2018 Optimal Aging Challenge
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative joined a group of industry, academic and government partners affiliated with Governor Charlie Baker’s Council to Address Aging to announce the winners of the In Good Company: The 2018 Optimal Aging Challenge, a global competition designed to identify breakthrough solutions to social isolation and loneliness among older adults. Continue reading