Mac users: Increase text size by holding command and +. Decrease text size by holding command and -.Ageism was the most frequently reported type of discrimination among women 50 and older who experience discrimination regularly, according to recent AARP research. Continue reading
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Poll Uncovers Usage Rates, Disparities Among Older Adults Using Health-Related Apps
Less than half (44%) of people age 50 to 80 have ever used a health-related app on their smartphone, wearable device or tablet, according to the new findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging.
Those who say they are in poor health, and those with lower incomes or levels of education, were far less likely to have ever used such apps. Half of those who haven’t ever used a health app, or have stopped using them, said they are not interested in using them. Continue reading
Behavioral Health During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Update on Need and Access in Massachusetts 2020/2021
A newly-released issue brief provides an updated snapshot of the need for behavioral health care and experiences accessing it in the Commonwealth as of 2020/2021, based on a new survey commissioned by the Blue Cross-Blue Shield Foundation. Continue reading
SAMHSA Offers Supports to Veterans, Service Members, and Caregivers
For age-friendly communities working to support local older veterans or work with community-based veterans’ agents, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is highlighting a need for attention to service members, Veterans, military-connected families, and caregivers who may be feeling a wide range of emotions as the tragic events unfold in the fall of Afghanistan. Continue reading
Poll Finds Risky Drinking Patterns in Older Adults During Pandemic
As many older adults get back to normal life across the United States thanks to high rates of vaccination and lower COVID-19 activity, a new poll suggests many should watch their alcohol intake. Continue reading
National Poll on Healthy Aging Reveals Findings on Older Adult Mental Health During the Pandemic
According to new findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging, nearly one in five older adults say their mental health has gotten worse since the pandemic began in March 2020, and an equal percentage say their sleep has suffered in that time too. More than one in four say they’re more anxious or worried than before the COVID-19 era, according to a new poll of people age 50 to 80. Continue reading
EOHHS to Host Stakeholder Call on Massachusetts’ Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform
Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) Secretary Marylou Sudders will hold a stakeholder call on Wednesday, February 24, 2021 at 9:45-10:30 AM to discuss Massachusetts’ Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform: Ensuring the right treatment when and where people need it. Continue reading
LGBT Aging 2025: Strategies for Achieving a Healthy and Thriving LGBT Older Adult Community in Massachusetts
A new report from The Fenway Institute finds that older LGBTQ adults in the Commonwealth report being diagnosed with depression at twice the rate of their straight, cisgender peers, and are twice as likely to fall and be injured in a fall over the past year.
It also finds that while older LGBTQ adults are more likely to hold a college degree, they are more likely to report having had difficulty paying for housing or food over the past year. LGBTQ older adults living in rural areas of the state expressed concern about the lack of options for LGBTQ-affirming health care, as well as their on-going experiences with strong anti-LGBTQ prejudice and harassment in public settings and senior housing. Continue reading
UMass-Boston Report Shares How Massachusetts Senior Centers are Adapting, Responding to COVID-19
Councils on Aging (COAs) are considered the “front door” of services and supports for older residents and those who care for them. They provide a wide range of programs and services, designed to meet the varied needs and interests of a diverse older population.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, councils on aging have had to adapt significantly to continue the important work they do on behalf of older adults in the community. Continue reading
UMass Gerontology Institute Measures COVID-19 Impact on State’s Older Adults
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