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Healthy Aging Issue Briefs

September 29th, 2021

The Massachusetts Health Policy forum has developed three healthy aging issue briefs associated with the 2009, 2010, and 2012 healthy aging forums.

2009 – Healthy Aging in the Commonwealth: Pathways to Lifelong Wellness
The first Issue Brief (Leutz and Driscoll, 2009) included a multifaceted definition of healthy aging, one that is much more than the presence or absence of disease and disability.

2010 –  A Strategy for Healthy Aging in the Commonwealth: Synthesis of Steering Committee Meetings and Progress
The second Issue Brief (Leutz and Driscoll, 2010) summarizes the work of the Collaborative’s healthy aging steering committee.

2012 – Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative: Update and Vision
The third Issue Brief (Leutz and Schneider, 2012) assessed the existing infrastructure of healthy aging activities in Massachusetts by reviewing reports, policy literature, websites, and conducting 14 key informant interviews with state agencies, evidence-based and healthy community programs, nonprofits, and foundations.

Valuing the Invaluable 2019 Update: Charting a Path Forward

May 1st, 2020

Part of the Valuing the Invaluable series on the economic value of family caregiving, this report updates national and individual state estimates of the economic value of family caregiving using the most current data available.  Source: AARP

Age- and Dementia Friendly Community Examples and Initiatives in Massachusetts

March 13th, 2020

MHAC intends to keep a running list of available online resources shared by Age- and Dementia Friendly Communities that can serve as examples for others. This includes sample assessments, action plans and exciting ongoing initiatives.

We will update this resource as other communities and regions share their learned lessons and goals.

  • Berkshires –action plan, survey results and other helpful resources.
  • Boston –action plan, progress reports and innovative initiatives.
  • Brookline – The Brookline Community Aging Network (BrooklineCAN) website includes reports, resources and initiatives.
  • Cape Ann – An aligned age-and dementia friendly initiative covering a four-community region (Essex, Gloucester, Manchester, Rockport) – includes sample survey for residents and businesses, along with action plan.
  • Dedham – action plan and specific initiatives identified by the community.
  • New Bedford – action plan and supporting documents
  • Peabody – action plan
  • Salem – legacy website includes assessment tools and newer “Salem for All Ages” website includes current initiatives and progress reports.
  • Springfield – Age-Friendly report includes dementia friendly and age-friendly health system collaboration.
  • West Springfield – aligned age- and dementia friendly initiative and action plan.
  • Yarmouth – committee embedded in town government. Meeting minutes and agendas.

 

 

Supporting Age-Friendly Efforts at the State/Regional Level (Archived Webinar)

October 2nd, 2017

This webinar was first in the series from Grantmakers in Aging designed to encourage greater philanthropic engagement in age-friendly efforts across the country. This installment features two age-friendly initiatives underway in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. Presenters: Kelly Laflamme, Program Director, Endowment for Health, Concord, New Hampshire; James Fuccione, Senior Director, MHAC.

Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Initiative

January 12th, 2017

The Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Initiative (DMFI) is a whole-community response to creating dementia friendly communities. Dementia friendly communities are safe, informed, and respectful and engage all members of the community to meet the needs of the growing number of people living with dementia to remain part of the fabric of our vibrant community life. The DMFI is convened by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Jewish Family & Children’s Services, and many partner organizations.

AARP Walk Audit Tool Kit (and Leader Guide)

October 12th, 2016

The AARP walk audit provides step-by-step instructions and checklists for examining intersections, sidewalks, driver behavior, public safety and more.

Health Benefits of Swimming for All

July 1st, 2016

This resource provides information on the health benefits of swimming for people of all ages. It also shares the benefits of swimming for those with arthritis, chronic pain, Alzheimer’s disease, and more.