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
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
As part of several workgroups and initiatives to address the digital divide among older adults – an issue that has been heightened during the pandemic – the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative recently co-hosted a webinar with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs on “Understanding Technology as a Social Determinant of Health.”
The webinar featured research from a team of professors and students at Babson College that focused on equitable technology access and utilization for older adults. Continue reading
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative promotes funding opportunities as they become available that support communities and stakeholders in creating more inclusive age- and dementia friendly communities. Below are the latest round of these opportunities: Continue reading
WalkBoston virtually presented their annual ‘Golden Shoe’ awards to those that advanced their mission of creating safe and walkable environments for all and, this year, those honorees included the Tufts Health Plan Foundation and Boston’s Age Strong Commission. Continue reading
Recognizing that not everyone can afford the cost of a voice or broadband connection, the Lifeline Program provides a monthly discount for eligible low-income consumers on a wireless or residential voice, broadband or voice-broadband bundled service from a certified Massachusetts Lifeline Provider.
Although there are several providers participating in the Lifeline program in Massachusetts, each eligible household can only subscribe to one Lifeline service. Consumers qualify for Lifeline by having income of 135 percent or below of the federal poverty guidelines or by participating in one of the following public assistance programs: Continue reading
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative periodically shares job postings from our network, by request. Please see two job opportunities below: Continue reading
Since March, the MetroWest Health Foundation has pivoted its grantmaking and operations to support the region’s efforts to address the coronavirus pandemic. In response to community listening and engagement, the foundation is including “COVID-19 Social Isolation Among Older Adults.” Continue reading
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
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
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