Among the ways communities adapted during the pandemic was to make simple, but impactful changes to streets and public spaces that spurred economic activity, improved walkability and enhanced safe gathering spaces.
The Barr Foundation and the Lawrence and Lillian Solomon Foundation released a report called “Quick and Creative Street Projects: Measuring the Impact in Mass,” which puts on display a number of local projects that made it easier to get outside, commute and meet.
The age-friendly movement is already based largely around improving social determinants of health, but a recent Yale study provides more incentive for such changes. The study finds that a person’s ZIP code can also help predict how long older adults remain active. Continue reading
The Massachusetts Commission on Falls Prevention, which is led by staff at the state’s Department of Public Health, released their biennial legislative report with recommendations on improving how health care providers assess and refer older adults for risk of falls. Continue reading
Through grant funding, collaboration, and technical support, communities across Massachusetts have an opportunity to support residents of all ages in remaining physically active and socially engaged this winter.
The pandemic has heightened the awareness and importance of social engagement, which cities and towns can promote with a new guide developed by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, WalkBoston and the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative. Continue reading
COVID-19 has changed a lot of things, but one has stayed the same: Falling is NOT a normal part of aging.
Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley-North Shore and the Healthy Living Center of Excellence team is coordinating state-based activities for Falls Prevention Awareness Week from Sept. 21-25 on behalf of the Massachusetts Falls Prevention Coalition. Continue reading
Due to COVID-19, the popular A Matter of Balance (MOB) program was temporarily put on pause.
Earlier this summer, MaineHealth, the home of the MOB program, reached out to Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley and North Shore to discuss a virtual adaptation of the program. ETHOS of Boston and Bristol Elder Services joined ESMV-NS to pilot the program via Zoom thanks to funding from the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation. This pilot is the first of its kind anywhere. 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 deadline for communities to submit applications for FY20 Coronavirus Relief Funds is Friday, June 5th. Submissions will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis and payments made on a regular basis, however cities and towns are asked to finalize the process before June 5th in order to ensure a timely distribution of funds. Continue reading
Most older adults want to continue living in their homes as they age. Yet many homes often need to be adapted to meet the changing mobility, sensory and cognitive needs of the older adults who live in them.
Several resources for home modifications exist, from AARP’s HomeFit Guide to Age Friendly Berkshires’ “Aging in Place Workbook.”
Now, N4A and the Eldercare Locator have partnered with the University of Southern California Leonard Davis School of Gerontology on the 2019 Home for the Holidays campaign, which also focuses on home modifications and centers on an introductory guide. Continue reading
The National Council on Aging’s (NCOA) National Falls Prevention Resource Center is sponsoring a 2019 Falls Prevention photo contest. Organizations that enter can win a cash prize of up to $300 and be featured in NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging E-News and on the NCOA website.
Details and rules are below. Please submit all photos and signed NCOA consent forms by October 31, 2019 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Continue reading
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