The Stanford Center on Longevity Design Challenge is a global competition that encourages students to design products and services to improve well-being across the lifespan. In its eighth year, the Challenge is focused on ideas inspired by the cultural shift that has occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic that support long, healthy, and happy lives for everyone. Continue reading
Tag Archives: aging
ACL Releases ‘Profile of Older Americans’ Data Report
The Administration on Community Living (ACL) released the latest Profile of Older Americans, which is an annual summary of the available statistics related to the older population in the United States. Principal sources of data are the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Center for Health Statistics, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Continue reading
Ageism and Health Examined by National Poll on Healthy Aging
New results from the National Poll on Healthy Aging find that more than 80% of those polled say they commonly experience at least one form of ageism in their day-to-day lives. Continue reading
New Resource on Mental Health of Older Adult Veterans Released by VA
In partnership with US Health and Human Services and the National Council on Aging, the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released a resource inventory intended to provide information for those interested in enhancing their outreach and support for older Veterans and other older adults who have or are at risk for behavioral health conditions. Continue reading
Celebrate Older Americans Month in May
Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. The theme for 2020 is “Make Your Mark.” Continue reading
Upcoming Healthy Aging Webinars: Mass. Business Roundtable, Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day
Communities and partners in the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative network may be interested in the following virtual opportunities:
- Supporting Family Caregivers in the Workplace – Mass Business Roundtable
During this unprecedented time of COVID-19, the demand on family caregivers has never been greater. There are more than 840,000 family caregivers across the Commonwealth providing care to loved ones while balancing their work and other family responsibilities. The Roundtable helped launch the Massachusetts Caregivers Coalition bringing together business, education and public sector leaders to better understand and address the needs of family caregivers, a growing and essential part of workforces across every industry sector.
In this webinar, first in a planned series, a panel will address the realities of caregiving during COVID-19 and provide resources and strategies shared by experts. Confirmed speakers and moderators include Roundtable member Mark Butler, Cigna New England, Robin Lipson, Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and Alexandra Drane, ARCHANGELS, as well as leaders from Roundtable members Seniorlink and Care.com.
- National Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day – COMBATING SOCIAL ISOLATION FOR SENIORS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Join the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and the National Coalition on Mental Health and Aging (NCMHA) for a thoughtful discussion on ways to prevent social isolation and promote mental health during this unprecedented time in our history.
Suicide, depression, anxiety, and problems with alcohol and medications are issues that older adults face. The U.S. Census Bureau indicates that by 2030, there will be nearly 75 million Americans over age 65. A 2012 study from the Institute of Medicine found that nearly 1 in 5 older Americans has one or more mental health/substance use conditions. According to 2018 data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and reported by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, adults in the 75-84 and 85+ age groups are among those with the highest rates of suicide.
Older Adult Mental Health Awareness Day 2020 will feature remarks from Lance Robertson, ACL Administrator and Assistant Secretary for Aging, and Dr. Elinore McCance-Katz, Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use. It will also share the latest information on social isolation and loneliness from Dr. Dilip Jeste, University of California San Diego Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry.
More Information on COVID-19 Responses:
- ACL Resources for older adults, providers, communities, and states
- SAMHSA Resources to assist individuals, providers, communities, and states
VA Resources, including What Veterans Need to Know and Maintaining Your Mental Health and Well-Being
MHAC’s COVID-19 Updates and Resources: 4/10-4/16
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:
AARP Shares COVID-19 Resources, Supports Meals on Wheels America with $250,000 Gift
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
Nominate a 2020 ‘Trailblazer in Aging’ by March 4
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is accepting nominations for the 2020 Trailblazer in Aging Awards. There are several award categories listed below.
Last year’s winners included the Healthy Living Center of Excellence (HLCE) in the “innovator” category. HLCE is a member of MHAC’s Executive Committee and was awarded for its work integrating community services into the health care delivery system with evidenced-based programs across Massachusetts. Continue reading
Mass. Health & Hospital Association Issues Statewide Report on Community Benefits
According to the Attorney General’s Office, Massachusetts hospitals provided $641 million in community benefits for residents of Massachusetts in Fiscal Year 2018. The Massachusetts Health and Hospital Association, for the first time, compiled the support provided to communities from local hospitals in a report titled “A Commitment to Community: 2020 Report Massachusetts Hospitals’ Community Benefit Initiatives.” Continue reading