New data from the National Poll on Healthy Aging conducted by the University of Michigan poll shows that 61% of people over 50 who have already gotten at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine are very likely to get an updated booster shot this fall when updated vaccines could become available across the United States. Continue reading
Tag Archives: COVID-19
US HHS Issues New Reports on Long COVID to Support Patients and Further Research
Following a Memorandum on Addressing the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), leading a whole-of-government response, developed two reports that together, pave an actionable path forward to address Long COVID and associated conditions.
Information for stakeholders related specifically to supporting older adults is included in the “Services Report.” Continue reading
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
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
CMS, ACL Announces a New Way for Medicare Beneficiaries to Get Free Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests
The Biden Administration announced that more than 59 million Americans with Medicare Part B, including those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, now have access to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, authorized, or cleared over-the-counter
COVID-19 tests at no cost. People with Medicare can get up to eight tests per calendar month from participating pharmacies and health care providers for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. Continue reading
Challenges and Opportunities of Dementia Friendly Initiatives in Massachusetts Outlined in Rutgers Research
New research from Rutgers University provides an overview of dementia friendly initiatives in Massachusetts, including their evolution and development across the state. The report outlines who is involved and how different initiatives go from a concept to local action. 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:
Importance of SNAP for Older Adults Highlighted by Food Research & Action Center
The Food Research & Action Center (FRAC) with support from the AARP Foundation, released a research brief that elevates the importance of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for older adults and the positive impacts of the temporary
increase in SNAP benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading
Medicare Planning to Launch Coverage of Over-the-Counter COVID Tests
In addition to recent efforts to expand Americans’ access to free testing, people in either Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage will be able to get over-the-counter COVID-19 tests at no cost starting in early spring.
Under the new initiative, Medicare beneficiaries will be able to access up to eight over-the-counter COVID-19 tests per month for free. Tests will be available through eligible pharmacies and other participating entities. This policy will apply to COVID-19 over-the-counter tests approved or authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Continue reading
Submit Your Age- and Dementia Friendly Work, Stories, and Photos for the ReiMAgine Aging Progress Report
To inform the ReiMAgine Aging; Year 3 Progress Report, which will look to capture the incredible age- and dementia friendly work of 2021, the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative is joining the Executive Office of Elder Affairs in asking its statewide network and partners to complete this survey by January 28th. Continue reading