Following a rigorous independent review process, CitySites, the signature intergenerational program offered by Boston nonprofit LBFE Boston | Little Brothers –Friends of the Elderly, has been named one of 11 Programs of Distinction by Generations United, a national nonprofit, whose mission is to improve the lives of children, youth, and older people through intergenerational collaboration, public policies, and programs for the enduring benefit of all. Continue reading
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Pandemic-Related Habits, Attitudes of Older Adults Measured in AP-NORC, SCAN Foundation Poll
Although many changes brought by the pandemic should make it easier for older adults to age in their community, those age 50 and older are less likely to report that they will continue using these services after the pandemic ends, according to a new study from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and The SCAN Foundation. Continue reading
City Parks Alliance Promotes Infographic, Resources to Help Communities Create Public Parks
City parks play a vital role in the social, economic, and physical well-being of America’s cities and their residents. They also play a role in inclusive age- and dementia friendly communities.
The City Parks Alliance created an infographic listing the benefits of public parks, including access to recreational opportunities, increasing property values, spurring local economies, combatting crime, and protecting cities from environmental impacts. Parks are now recognized as powerful tools for urban communities and local economies.
Boston Mayor Wu and AgeStrong Commission Announce Recipients of New “Creating Community & Reducing Social Isolation” Grant
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and the Age Strong Commission announced the recipients of its Creating Community and Reducing Social Isolation grant, a new City program designed to provide funding to nonprofit community organizations to create new or expand current programs inviting older adults to engage more for better physical and mental health. The City is awarding $360,000 in funding to 16 nonprofit community organizations. Continue reading
National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults Recognizes Tech Access Program from Coastline Elderly Services
A recent publication from engAGED, The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults, features 11 successful social engagement programs from the Innovations Hub that employ a variety of social engagement interventions and tap into an array of partners to reach consumers in rural, suburban and urban communities. Continue reading
Outdoor Activation Toolkit for Older Adults Created by 8-80 Cities
8 80 Cities, an organization based in Canada dedicated to enhancing parks, public spaces and mobility, in partnership with Woodgreen Community Services have come together to develop the Seniors Outdoor Activation Toolkit to support more outdoor programming, physical activity, and social connection opportunities for seniors. Continue reading
Materials and Theme Announced for Older Americans Month in May
Every May, the Administration for Community Living (ACL) leads the nation’s observance of Older Americans Month (OAM). Continue reading
Age-Friendly Funding Alert: Age Strong Commission, AARP Community Challenge, MHP, Mass Humanities
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative encourages stakeholders and communities to consider the following funding opportunities that support inclusive age- and dementia friendly communities:
Age-Friendly Funding Alert: Shared Streets & Spaces, Commonwealth Places, Mass Cultural Council
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative is excited to promote a fourth round of the Shared Streets & Spaces Grant Program from the Mass. Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
The program, which awards bonus points for projects that are inclusive of older adults, provides funding to municipalities and public transit authorities to quickly implement improvements to plazas, sidewalks, curbs, streets, bus stops, parking areas, and other public spaces in support of public health, safe mobility, and strengthened commerce. Continue reading
‘Quick and Creative Street Projects’ Report from Barr, Solomon Foundations Display Impact of Local Projects
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.