Explore these profiles to learn how others are addressing challenges and making strides to advance health aging.
Do you have a story idea? Let us know!
Q&A with Hearth’s Mark Hinderlie
The Tufts Health Plan Foundation sat down with Mark Hinderlie, president & CEO of Hearth, to talk about why elder homelessness is such an important issue and identify some of the risk factors that force people into homelessness. Continue reading →
Meet the Golden Tones
The Golden Tones chorus is a 70-voice chorus of retired people who love to sing! The chorus began in 1988 as a sing-along activity offered at the Wayland Senior Center. Over time, it evolved into a vibrant performing chorus of men and women from all over the MetroWest Boston area. Continue reading →
Generations Incorporated
At a recent meeting, a usually shy volunteer member brought a note given to her by a student that expressed how much the student loved and would miss her when the school year ends. This note is now proudly hanging on her fridge as a daily reminder of her impact on a child’s life. This is one of many examples of the social connection between generations that is created at Generations Incorporated. Continue reading →
Finding Purpose in Teaching Kids
Six months after retiring from her position as an administrator at a Jamaica Plain early education program, 70-year-old Lorna Backas was restless. “I just couldn’t stay home anymore so I applied for a volunteer position reading to kids,” said Lorna. “Everything changed from there.” Continue reading →
Breaking Down Barriers
At the Wang YMCA of Chinatown, more than 400 seniors of Asian descent have participated in “Get Fit, Stay Fit for Life,” a free six-month program that brings adults 60 or over together for group exercises, counseling services, informative workshops and organized social activities. Continue reading →
Community Health Programs
In Sheffield, Massachusetts, students and older adults gathered at the Sheffield Senior Center to celebrate and present their Senior Life History Projects to friends and family. The Senior Life History Project, developed by Community Health Programs in Berkshire County, is a unique program bringing generations together to learn about each other in order to create a Senior Life History Scrapbook detailing the older adult’s life. Continue reading →
Cycling for Strength & Social Interaction
Ninety-four-year-old Priscilla lives in a retirement community and suffers from dementia and failing eyesight. Her favorite activity? Cycling. Priscilla is joined by her daughter, 64-year-old Harriet, who, despite owning her own business, takes time off each week to join her mother for a 4- to 5-mile bike ride. Continue reading →
Reduce the Risk of Falls at Home
According to the National Council on Aging, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall every 15 seconds, and, sadly, falls are the leading cause of injury death among adults age 65 years and older in the United States. An older adult dies following a fall every 29 minutes. Continue reading →