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
Through the leadership of the Boston Age Strong Commission, and in partnership with a list of municipal departments, transportation providers and dedicated community-based organizations, the city stitched together an innovative response to food access needs during COVID-19. 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
The Bureau of Community Health and Prevention at the MA Department of Public Health is hosting listening sessions to inform the future of the Mass in Motion program and those in the Mass. Healthy Aging Collaborative network are encouraged to join.
Through this series of listening sessions, MDPH will collect stakeholder input on elements of a Request for Response (RFR) that will fund local efforts to improve Social Determinants of Health through the Mass in Motion Municipal Wellness and Leadership Initiative. 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
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is seeking applications from qualified organizations as part of an upcoming grant opportunity to help reduce senior hunger in the U.S. Grants of up to $50,000 each for a 19-month period will be awarded to selected organizations for the implementation of Senior SNAP Enrollment Initiatives in their communities. 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
MHAC is pleased to pass along the following funding opportunities for communities and organizations. Some are in response to COVID-19 and some are more general opportunties for Age- and Dementia Friendly Communities and stakeholders.
More information on similar support opportunities relative to COVID-19 are available on the Philanthropy Massachusetts website on “Disaster and Emergency Relief Resources.” Continue reading
Nesterly, an intergenerational homesharing platform, in partnership with the City of Boston, created a new, free service called Good Neighbors. Good Neighbors supports older adults who must stay home as a result of COVID-19 by matching them with volunteers to fulfill no-contact deliveries and friendly check-ins (calls/letter writing).
This service is available in Greater Boston, which Nesterly and the Good Neighbors initiative have defined as within 20 miles of the city. Also available are longstanding organizations like FriendshipWorks and Little Brothers-Friends of the Elderly, which also connect older adults and volunteers.
As part of its response to the coronavirus pandemic – including a website with helpful information for older adults – AARP announced a $250,000 donation to Meals on Wheels America to support urgently needed outreach to isolated seniors.
The gift is significant because it will allow Meals on Wheels America to boost the organizational capacity of the network to provide in-home meals to the most at-risk older population during this time of crisis. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that older Americans are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19. Continue reading
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