Tag Archives: social isolation

MHAC Webinar Recording: Understanding Technology as a Social Determinant of Health

November 11th, 2020

As part of several workgroups and initiatives to address the digital divide among older adults – an issue that has been heightened during the pandemic – the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative recently co-hosted a webinar with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs on “Understanding Technology as a Social Determinant of Health.”

The webinar featured research from a team of professors and students at Babson College that focused on equitable technology access and utilization for older adults. Continue reading →

Age-Friendly Funding Alert: MAPC, National Assembly of State Arts Agencies

October 28th, 2020

Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) NOTICE OF GRANT OPPORTUNITY: TAXI/LIVERY PARTNERSHIP GRANT PROGRAM APPLICATION (FALL 2020)

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (“MAPC”) in partnership with MassDevelopment, has developed this state-wide Taxi/Livery Partnership Grant program to provide funding for grantees to contract with taxicab, livery, or hackney businesses for transportation and delivery needs for the Commonwealth’s vulnerable populations and others. Continue reading →

‘Winter Places’ Design Guide Provides Ideas for Outdoor Activity During Colder Months

October 28th, 2020

A design competition called ‘Winter Places‘ has led to a design guide encouraging residents and visitors to visit and spend time on our main streets during colder winter weather while also encouraging shopping and dining at area small businesses. Continue reading →

Community Resource for Strengthening Social Connections Compliments #ReachOutMA Campaign

October 14th, 2020

The work conducted by the Task Force to End Loneliness and Build Community, UMass-Boston researchers and AARP Massachusetts led to a virtual summit early in October and a newly released resource with examples that communities can implement to address isolation and improve social connectivity. Continue reading →

N4A, engAGED Recognize Age Strong Boston’s Civic Academy as a Best Practice for Keeping Older Adults Engaged

September 23rd, 2020

engAGED: The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults is a national effort to increase social engagement among older adults. Administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) with funding from the U.S. Administration for Community
Living—and in collaboration with Generations United, Older Adults Technology Services (OATS) and Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes—engAGED identifies and disseminates information about emerging trends, resources and replication strategies that the Aging
Network can customize to engage older adults in their communities. Continue reading →

Low-Income Voice, Broadband Discounts Available Through ‘Lifeline’ Program

September 17th, 2020

Recognizing that not everyone can afford the cost of a voice or broadband connection, the Lifeline Program provides a monthly discount for eligible low-income consumers on a wireless or residential voice, broadband or voice-broadband bundled service from a certified Massachusetts Lifeline Provider.

Although there are several providers participating in the Lifeline program in Massachusetts, each eligible household can only subscribe to one Lifeline service. Consumers qualify for Lifeline by having income of 135 percent or below of the federal poverty guidelines or by participating in one of the following public assistance programs: Continue reading →

Join Taskforce to End Loneliness and Build Community for Oct. 1 Summit

September 16th, 2020

Join the Taskforce to End Loneliness and Build Community on Thursday, October 1st for a state-wide summit to disseminate information about raising public awareness, growing intergenerational opportunities and specific strategies to build community in a variety of ways. Continue reading →

Culture Rx Pilot Shows Promise in Improving Health, Reducing Social Isolation

September 9th, 2020

This month, the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts released its findings from Phase I of the Social Prescription Pilot Program, which launched in January 2020 in Springfield and Berkshire County. Continue reading →

Age-Friendly Funding Alert: MetroWest Health Foundation

September 2nd, 2020

Since March, the MetroWest Health Foundation has pivoted its grantmaking and operations to support the region’s efforts to address the coronavirus pandemic. In response to community listening and engagement, the foundation is including “COVID-19 Social Isolation Among Older Adults.” Continue reading →

UMass-Boston Report Shares How Massachusetts Senior Centers are Adapting, Responding to COVID-19

August 26th, 2020

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 →