In addition to an evolving COVID-19 resource page, MHAC is continuing to collect and share updates on COVID-19 from state government, federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control, and other key stakeholders.
These updates are to help and inform a wide range of individuals and partners, including communities working to become more age- and dementia friendly.
Please see the latest updates below: Continue reading
A recent report by researchers from the Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging at UMass Boston’s Gerontology Institute examines these consequences for the older population in Massachusetts.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to the forefront common obstacles experienced by older people, and also exacerbated challenges related to income, housing, nutrition, medical care, and emotional wellbeing. The work of community organizations meant to meet the needs of older adults is more critical than ever during this public health crisis.
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative also believes this points to the importance of creating and advancing age-and dementia friendly communities as well. Continue reading
Smart Growth America (SGA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity are now accepting applications for the Champions Institute, a new initiative for elected officials focused on safe streets and healthy communities. This is an opportunity for elected leaders of Age-and Dementia Friendly Communities to learn more about the concepts of Complete Streets and inclusive street policies and practices.
The Champions Institute will serve to prepare mayors, city council people, tribal representatives, and other local elected-officials to act as champions supporting plans, policies, and funding that promote activity-friendly routes to everyday destinations, as part of the Active People, Healthy Nation Initiative. Continue reading
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council will be offering technical assistance and regional guidance to cities and towns in their region through the Racial Equity Municipal Action Plan (REMAP) program. Any communities in this region working to become more age-friendly are encouraged to explore the opportunity.
The program is a collaboration between MAPC, the Government Alliance on Race and Equity (GARE) and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (FRBB). Selected municipalities will receive technical assistance to create racial equity action plans and to take meaningful action to advance racial equity.
The Baker Administration awarded $4 million in MassTrails Grants to 55 local trail projects throughout the Commonwealth. The grants will support the state’s vast network of trails with projects dedicated to the construction, maintenance, and improvements for a variety of public trails, including hiking trails, bikeways, and shared-use paths. Continue reading
The Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA), on behalf of a team that includes the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative, submitted to AARP Massachusetts the Commonwealth’s Age- and Dementia-Friendly Year One Progress Report detailing the tremendous work of so many communities and organizations throughout Massachusetts. Continue reading
In partnership with the AARP Livable Communities Team, Main Street America is launching a series of briefs to explore the benefits of open streets programs, outline a set of priorities local leaders should consider when implementing these initiatives, and provide examples of open streets projects in two Main Street communities. Continue reading
The coronavirus pandemic will continue to affect communities beyond the initial crisis phase. Stakeholders from communities across the region already have begun to consider challenges and opportunities that will accompany the recovery phase.
To give communities additional resources in this critical time, the Tufts Health Plan Foundation board voted to direct 2020 Momentum Fund mini-grants to support community resilience, retooling and rebuilding in response to COVID-19. Continue reading
In addition to an evolving COVID-19 resource page, MHAC is continuing to collect and share updates on COVID-19 from state government, federal agencies like the Centers for Disease Control, and other key stakeholders.
These updates are to help and inform a wide range of individuals and partners, including communities working to become more age- and dementia friendly.
Please see the latest updates below: Continue reading
An AARP survey is compiling data about cycling and people age 50 or older in order to inform local leaders, transportation practitioners and community members so they can encourage and plan for better and safer bicycling experiences for people of all ages. Continue reading
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