Aging Matters Blog & Newsletter
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 The 2025 theme, "Flip the Script on Aging," encourages us to challenge outdated stereotypes and embrace the diverse experiences and opportunities...
Your Voice Matters: Join Us for Older Adult Lobby Day to Advocate for Older Americans Month
At the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA), we believe advocacy is a year-round commitment—but there’s one day that truly unites our voices on Beacon Hill: Older Adult Lobby Day. This powerful day of action brings together older adults from across the Commonwealth...
The Importance of Community Connection
On a showery and windswept day last fall, while on vacation in Ireland, I had the privilege to meet Paddy, Sean and Seamus and was invited into their Men’s Shed on Achill Island in County Mayo. This was on my “Bucket List”, and you may wonder why, but I have read...
Hayley Wood: Championing the Well-being of Older Adults
In a world often focused on challenges, it's refreshing to hear stories of dedication, compassion, and the profound rewards of serving others. Hayley Wood, MCOA's Economic Security and Outreach Manager, offers a unique perspective, shaped by her years as a senior...
The Heartbeat of Community: Uplifting Lives Through Council on Aging Social Services
In the bustling heart of any community, there lies a network of support, a lifeline for those navigating the complexities of aging and life's challenges. At the Council on Aging (COA), social services play a pivotal role, weaving together resources and compassion to...
From Corporate Calls to Community Champion: Randy’s Second Act
In the heart of Framingham, Massachusetts, amidst the bustling activity of the Callahan Center, a story of transformation unfolded. Randy Aylsworth, a seasoned professional with a background in the corporate world, found himself drawn to the field of aging services, a...
Bridging Theory and Practice: How Social Work Interns Make a Difference at the COA
For Andrew Sylvia, an advanced standing Master of Social Work Student at Bridgewater State, the path to social work felt like a "calling." His experiences working with children with behavioral disorders and his close relationship with his grandparents ignited a...
From Garden to Table: Cultivating Community and Healthy Aging at the Chicopee River Mills Senior Center
At the Chicopee River Mills Senior Center, food is more than just sustenance; it's a catalyst for connection, a tool for empowerment, and a cornerstone of healthy aging. Sherry Manyak, the center's director, and her staff have cultivated a thriving hub where nutrition...