During the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, significantly more grandparents than non-grandparents purchased smartphones (32% vs. 22%) and Smart TVs (24% vs. 11%) than they did in the 12-months prior, according to AARP research.
Ranking the top barriers to adopting new technology, survey respondents identified cost (28%), lack of knowledge (24%), and privacy issues (22%) at the top of the list. Continue reading
According to a new study of adults age 50 and older from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and funded by The SCAN Foundation, many adults age 50 and older remain worried about infection and are more likely to practice
social distancing and to feel socially isolated. Continue reading
In accordance with updated guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Pfizer COVID-19 Booster is now available to individuals 65 years of age and older, individuals 18-64 years of age at risk for severe COVID-19 due to underlying medical conditions, and individuals 18-64 years of age who are at increased risk for COVID-19 because of occupational or institutional settings who have previously received the Pfizer vaccine.
These residents are eligible to receive their Pfizer booster shot at least 6 months after their second dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Continue reading
The Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable (MDTC) is recognizing Lifeline Awareness Week by sharing important information about two federal benefit programs that are available to help keep households connected to affordable telecommunications services—the Lifeline Program and the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program. Continue reading
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 99% of Massachusetts residents age 65 and older have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. Continue reading
Following up on a successful partnership that engaged more than 1,700 older adults across the state in 2020, the “Senior Days” program that sets aside time for older adults to conduct business at their local RMV will once again host staff from aging service access points (ASAPs) to serve as resources on available services and supports. Continue reading
The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique challenges for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). To address them, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) created a COVID-19 toolkit with communication resources explaining in plain language how people with IDD and caregivers can protect themselves from the virus. Continue reading
The Baker Administration announced plans to require COVID-19 vaccination for all staff at rest homes, assisted living residences (ALRs), hospice programs, as well as for home care workers (HCWs) providing in-home, direct care services.
The plan to expand the vaccine requirement for caregivers is subject to Public Health Council (PHC) approval and is part of the Administration’s continued effort to protect older adults against COVID-19. Last month, the Administration announced a vaccine requirement for employees of skilled nursing facilities. Continue reading
In partnership with municipalities, housing authorities, nonprofits, and private entities, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) is working to address issues related to the barriers to accessing and using the internet (otherwise known as the Digital Divide) within these communities.
Responses to an “Digital Navigator Program” RFI issued by MAPC will assist the regional planning agency in building capacity within local communities to support residents in improving their lives through the use of digital technology and the Internet. The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative encourages communities and stakeholders in the age-and dementia friendly movement to participate so that older adults are represented. Continue reading
Older adults are invited to join neighborhood Joy Walks walking clubs and participate in the Joy Walks Challenge taking place September through October. Continue reading