Aging Matters Blog & Newsletter
5 new stories each month!
Cultivating Connection: How Orleans Council on Aging Built a Welcoming Space for LGBTQ+ Older Adults
Cape Cod, especially the Lower Cape region, is home to a significant population of older adults, with nearly 60% of Orleans residents over the age of 60. Within this demographic lies a vibrant, yet sometimes isolated, LGBTQ+ community. Judi Wilson, Director of the...
Bridging Divides: How OutstandingLife is Cultivating Connection and Combating Isolation for LGBTQ+ Older Adults
In Massachusetts, a significant grassroots effort is underway to combat loneliness and isolation among LGBTQ+ older adults. OutstandingLife, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit, has emerged as a vital online community, creating connections and fostering well-being across the...
Building Bridges and Fostering Belonging: Bourne Council on Aging’s Commitment to Inclusivity
The Bourne Council on Aging (COA), led by Director Debora Oliviere, serves residents aged 60 and above, a threshold tied to critical grant funding that supports many of their vital programs. Since assuming the director role in 2020, just weeks before the COVID-19...
More Than Just Programs: How Arlington’s Council on Aging Cultivates Deep Community Connection and LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Arlington, Massachusetts, stands out as a community deeply committed to supporting its older residents, with nearly 30% of its population over age 60. At the heart of this commitment is the Arlington Council on Aging (COA), led by Executive Director Kristine Shah, and...
Building Welcoming Hubs: Councils on Aging Embrace LGBTQ+ Inclusion
Lisa Krinsky, Director of the LGBTQIA+ Aging Project at Fenway Health, has dedicated 21 years to fostering inclusive environments for LGBTQ+ older adults in Massachusetts. Her journey began in the ASAP network where she quickly identified a critical gap: the lack of...
Beyond the Surface: How MCOA Trainings Empower COA Staff to Connect and Care
At our local Councils on Aging (COAs) and Senior Centers, you'll find dedicated individuals who are often the first point of contact for older adults navigating life's complexities. These compassionate professionals are more than just guides to resources; they are...
More Than Just a Job: How Behavioral Health Training Transforms COA Services
For Emily Kuhl, a seasoned case manager at The Newton Cooper Center (Newton Older Adult Services), the recent “Behavioral Health Training” series offered by McLean Hospital and the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) wasn't just another professional development...
Bridging the Gap: McLean Hospital and MCOA Partner for Essential Behavioral Health Training
The growing need for robust behavioral health support among older adults is undeniable. The Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) has stepped up to meet this critical demand, forging a powerful partnership with McLean Hospital to deliver specialized training to COA...
MCOA’s Unwavering Commitment to Professional Development: Empowering COA Staff and Directors
The Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) is deeply committed to ensuring that Council on Aging (COA) staff and directors across the Commonwealth have access to the best possible professional development. This dedication is especially evident in our recent...
Flip the Script on Aging: Celebrating Older Americans Month 2025
Each May, we observe Older Americans Month (OAM) to honor the invaluable contributions of older adults in our communities. The 2025 theme, "Flip the Script on Aging," encourages us to challenge outdated stereotypes and embrace the diverse experiences and opportunities...