The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative is pleased to promote the following events by partners in our network that support inclusive age- and dementia friendly communities:
- MHAC Statewide Network Meeting, Sept. 25th from 10-11:30 am (virtual)
Join the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative for its quarterly Statewide Network Meeting. We will have a presentation and Q&A with the Administration for Community Living (ACL) on the National Plan on Aging, which is accepting feedback on a strategic framework until Sept. 15th.
Attendees will also learn about MassDOT’s Community Transit Grant Program, which provides opportunities for communities working to become more age- and dementia friendly. Rachel Fichtenbaum, Manager of Grant Programs & Mobility Management for MassDOT’s Rail & Transit Division, will also highlight a federal grant MassDOT secured to pilot a statewide mobility management initiative and work towards a system of Regional Mobility Managers. MHAC and MassDOT co-hosted a focus group last year as part of a study on Regional Mobility Managers as a possible opportunity to boost transportation access.
Other organizational or community partners can share brief updates by reaching out to James Fuccione at MHAC prior to the meeting (James.Fuccione@mahealthyaging.org). Registration is available here.
- September 22 – 28, 2024 is National Employ Older Workers Week (NEOWW)
Celebrate NEOWW by “Embracing Experience, Empowering Futures” which acknowledges the ongoing contribution of older workers to today’s workforce.
NEOWW is a time to recognize and appreciate the impact that older workers have had on the workforce and their communities nationwide. Embracing these contributions will lead to a more resilient, dynamic, and inclusive workforce for all.
More information and resources to promote this celebration are available here.
- “Let’s Talk about Dementia and Culture 2024,” hosted by Dementia Friends Massachusetts, October 29, 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (virtual)
This year’s theme is: Brain Health for All Communities. Join researchers, advocates living with dementia, public health leaders, and community-based dementia educators as we explore current evidence-based tips for brain health, how these link to the structural and social determinants of health, and what research and life experience tell us about continuing to live well with a dementia diagnosis. Register in advance on Zoom here. Attendance is free. CEUs will be available for a fee – check here for updates. Simultaneous interpretation in Spanish, and captions in English and most other languages available. Contact Beth at bsoltzberg@jfcsboston.org with questions.
- Good Neighbor Day of Action, September 28
The Coalition to Build Community and End Loneliness in MA proudly recognizes September 28th, 2024, as Good Neighbor Day of Action. This day serves as a catalyst for forging longer term connections and improving social health in our communities. Loneliness affects many people throughout the Commonwealth, and by organizing local activities, we can make a positive impact by strengthening local community ties.
Communities working to be more age- and dementia friendly may participate by using this toolkit and sharing activities with the coalition here.
For more details and access to the toolkit, visit ENDLONELINESSMA.COM/GND2024.
If you have questions or would like to discuss planning and/or additional ideas, please reach out to Innessa Manning at manninin@bc.edu.
In a previous post, MHAC shared the September events that support caregivers and people living with Dementia. Check out the remaining events this month.