The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative contributed a blog post on Technology as a Social Determinant of Health for the Age-Friendly Public Health Systems initiative run by Trust for America’s Health. In the process, MHAC highlighted the great work being done by several partners in the statewide healthy aging network. Continue reading
Tag Archives: technology
National Poll on Healthy Aging Shows Preparedness of Older Adults to ‘Age in Place’
New findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging suggest many people in their 50s, 60s and 70s need to do more to modify their homes or plan for services they may need if they want to avoid or delay needing to move.
In all, 88% of people between the ages of 50 and 80 said it was very or somewhat important to them that they live in their homes as long as possible. But only 15% said they’ve given a lot of consideration to how their home may need to be modified as they age, while 47% have given it little or no thought. Continue reading
White House Launches GetInternet.Gov to Improve Broadband Access
Building on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households $30 per month off their internet bills, the White House announced that they negotiated voluntary commitments from 20 internet providers to offer high speed internet services at no cost to ACP beneficiaries. Continue reading
National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults Recognizes Tech Access Program from Coastline Elderly Services
A recent publication from engAGED, The National Resource Center for Engaging Older Adults, features 11 successful social engagement programs from the Innovations Hub that employ a variety of social engagement interventions and tap into an array of partners to reach consumers in rural, suburban and urban communities. Continue reading
AARP and Institute for Local Self-Reliance Announce “Exploring Digital Equity” Fact Sheets
Created by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) with support from AARP, the Exploring Digital Equity Fact-Sheet Series consists of six PDF briefs. The reports examine the challenges still faced by millions of people — of all ages — in need of a reliable, effective and affordable way to get online.
This will be added to MHAC’s Digital Equity Resource page with a range of reports, research and case studies on how communities and stakeholders have addressed digital equity and older adults. Continue reading
FCC Seeks Input on How to Combat Digital Discrimination
The Federal Communications Commission opened a process on how to prevent and eliminate digital discrimination to ensure that everyone has equal access to broadband internet access service.
The Notice of Inquiry starts the process of establishing a shared understanding of the harms experienced by historically excluded and marginalized communities, with the intent of making meaningful policy reforms and systems improvements. Continue reading
Poll Uncovers Usage Rates, Disparities Among Older Adults Using Health-Related Apps
Less than half (44%) of people age 50 to 80 have ever used a health-related app on their smartphone, wearable device or tablet, according to the new findings from the National Poll on Healthy Aging.
Those who say they are in poor health, and those with lower incomes or levels of education, were far less likely to have ever used such apps. Half of those who haven’t ever used a health app, or have stopped using them, said they are not interested in using them. Continue reading
Upcoming Events in Healthy Aging
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative invites stakeholders to check out the following upcoming events that help promote and support inclusive age- and dementia friendly communities. Continue reading
‘Hybrid Engagement Hub’ Promotes Tools for Running Remote and In-Person Meetings
As age-and dementia friendly communities, municipal partners and other stakeholders continue to engage the public to accommodate those attending in-person and remote, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) developed the “Hybrid Engagement Hub” with tools to help make those meetings successful. Continue reading
‘Emergency Broadband Benefit Program’ Transitions to the New “Affordable Connectivity Program”
On December 31, the FCC launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This program, created by Congress in the Infrastructure and Jobs Act, is a longer-term replacement for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program.
Communities working to become age- and dementia friendly are encouraged to promote this opportunity to help ensure households can afford the internet connections they need for work, school, health care, and more. Continue reading