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...
NEWS
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...
Making Transit More Affordable: MBTA’s Income-Eligible Reduced Fare Program Launches September 4
The MBTA announced that it is expanding access to reduced fares for income-eligible riders beginning Wednesday, September 4, 2024. The online application is can be completed in English, Spanish, Portuguese, simplified Chinese, Haitian-Creole, or Vietnamese. The launch...
Funding Alert: Community Compact Program Available to Support Age and Dementia Friendly Efforts
On August 19th, the Community Compact Best Practices Program was opened for cities and towns. The program is a voluntary, mutual agreement entered into between the Healey-Driscoll Administration and individual cities and towns of the Commonwealth where a community...
Deadline Extended for Feedback on Mass. Age- and Dementia Friendly Action Plan Refresh
In collaboration with community partners, the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) is in the process of collecting community feedback on updating and refreshing the Age-Friendly Massachusetts Action Plan. EOEA recently announced an extended timeline for accepting...
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...
Take Part in ‘Good Neighbor Day’ on September 28th
The Coalition to Build Community and End Loneliness in MA proudly recognizes September 28th, 2024, as Good Neighbor Day of Action. This day serves as a catalyst for forging longer term connections and improving social health in our communities. Loneliness affects many...
MassDOT Announces $6.5 Million Shared Streets & Spaces Program Awards
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) recently announced the award of $6.5 million in funding to 28 municipalities and two Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) as part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Shared Streets and Spaces Program. The...
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...