Mac users: Increase text size by holding command and +. Decrease text size by holding command and -.A new research report from the LTSS Center @UMass-Boston outlines how community stakeholders can help older adults better prepare for and recover from climate change-related emergencies. Continue reading
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Point32Health Foundation Awards More Than $1.1 Million to 10 Community Organizations
The Point32Health Foundation announced that 10 community organizations across the region will receive grants totaling more than $1.1 million. Funding will support work to advance policies and practices that address disparities and create more inclusive communities. Continue reading
MHAC Adds New Local Advocacy Resources to Assist Age- and Dementia Friendly Community Efforts
Communities working to become age- and dementia friendly often identify needs or opportunities that can be addressed through advocacy on a local level.
To help stakeholders influence and improve local government policy for healthy aging, the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative added a page on the toolkit section of its website. Continue reading
The ‘Experience Matters’ Program Highlights the Value of Older Adult Volunteers
Cities of Service launched the Experience Matters program in 2019 in partnership with AARP where five participating cities engaged residents aged 50+ to tackle public problems. Each city received $30,000 and technical assistance from Cities of Service. Full-time AmeriCorps VISTA members served in each city hall to build capacity and raise awareness for the initiatives.
Cities of Service compiled a report that outlines the activities and impact of the Experience Matters program and shares lessons that can inform future work with older volunteers. These include: Continue reading
MACDC Creates ‘Guide to Reading a Hospital’s Community Benefits Report’
The Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC) created a Guide To Reading A Hospital’s Community Benefits Report.
Age and dementia friendly community coalitions are among the community-based partners that can use this guide, which is valuable for mapping out common ground with a hospital’s efforts to improving social determinants of health, as a resource to better understand their local hospital’s commitments to community health priorities, and to foster more collaboration between hospitals and community-based organizations. Continue reading
Smart Growth America, Transportation for America Release Placemaking Guide that Blends Art and Transportation
Creative placemaking is an approach that deeply engages the arts, culture, and creativity—especially from underrepresented communities—in planning and designing transportation projects to better reflect and celebrate local culture, heritage, and values. Continue reading
Age-Friendly Winter Spaces Guide Aims to Help Communities Embrace Winter, Promote Physical Activity and Social Engagement
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
NCOA Partners with HealthyVoting.org to Help Older Adults Participate Safely This Election
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is partnering with We Can Vote to provide important information to older adults across the country about how to vote in a healthy and safe way. Continue reading
Age-Friendly Funding Alert: Massachusetts Service Alliance’s COVID-19 Resiliency Grant
In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic crisis, The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) announces the release of a Request for Proposals for COVID-19 relief efforts. MSA seeks to award grants of up to $4,000 to support volunteer community service projects and volunteer capacity building initiatives needed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 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