Sep 3, 2024 | Education & Training, Events, Member Services, News
MCOA and Dementia Friendly Massachusetts are co-sponsoring “Let’s Talk about Dementia and Culture 2024.”
This virtual symposium is brought to you by Dementia Friends Massachusetts, and will be held on Tuesday, October 29, 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Zoom.
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.orgwith questions.

Aug 13, 2024 | Events, Member Services, News

MCOA Membership Meeting Via Zoom September 5, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Agenda
10:00 Welcome
- Emily Shea, MCOA Board Chair
10:05 Art Pharmacy
- Adrienne Hundley, Head of Community Strategy
10:50 MCOA New Training Series
- Andrea Cordis, Training and Education Manager
11:00 An Introduction to Behavioral Health Training for Councils on Aging
Interim Chief, Division of Geriatric Psychiatry, Director of Digital Psychiatry Translation, Director, Technology and Aging Lab
McLean Hospital
11:45 Business Meeting
- Betsy – Legislative Updates
- Vote – Board and Regional Reps
- Sharon Mercurio/Board
- Sharon Rice/Regional Rep
- Cynthia Tarail/Regional Rep
- Lisa Clark Viklund/Regional Rep
12:00* Please note the Advisory Council will meet from 12:00 – 12:30 pm
Please note the Advisory Council will meet from 12:00 – 12:30 pm with a separate meeting link.
Don’t have an MyMCOA Infohub account yet? Contact Kelly Burke, Member Services Manager (Kelly@mcoaonline.org) or Paula Hersey, Digital Communications Manager (paula@mcoaonline.org)
May 30, 2024 | Education & Training, Events, News
Based on valuable feedback from our network, the MCOA is seeking proposals for facilitated round table discussions at the upcoming Fall Conference!
What are Facilitated Round Table Discussions?
These small-group sessions will provide a platform for in-depth conversations on specific issues. As the facilitator, you’ll guide the discussion, ensuring a productive and engaging experience for all participants. Network and connect with colleagues from across the state.
Examples of Possible Discussion Topics:
- Innovative Programs for Senior Wellness: Share successful initiatives that promote physical, mental, and emotional health among seniors. Discuss how to implement these programs in various communities.
- Technology and Aging: Explore the latest technological advancements that can aid the elderly in maintaining independence and staying connected. Discuss best practices for introducing and teaching new technology to seniors.
- Intergenerational Engagement: Discuss strategies to foster meaningful interactions between different age groups, and how these interactions can benefit both seniors and younger generations.
- Challenges in Caregiver Support: Address the unique challenges faced by caregivers of the elderly. Share resources, support networks, and strategies for providing effective assistance.
- Advocacy and Policy Updates: Stay informed about recent policy changes affecting the aging population. Discuss how to advocate for seniors’ rights and needs at the local and state levels.
Why Participate?
- Professional Development: Enhance your facilitation skills and gain insights from your peers.
- Networking: Build connections with professionals across the aging network.
- Collaborative Learning: Contribute to and benefit from the collective knowledge and experiences of your colleagues.
We look forward to hearing your ideas and making the MCOA Fall Conference a truly collaborative event!
May 21, 2024 | Events, Member Services, News
MCOA Membership Meeting | Via Zoom June 6, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Agenda
10:00 Welcome
- Emily Shea, MCOA Board Chair
10:05 Remote Access to Vote
- Tatum Pritchard, Director of Litigation, Disability Law Center, Inc.
10:20 My Healthy Brain: Lifestyle Habits that Promote Brain Health with Aging
- Ryan Mace, PhD, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research (CHOIR)
Massachusetts General Hospital
Harvard Medical School
- Nicole McGurin, Programs & Services Director
Alzheimer’s Association, MA/NH Chapter
11:20 Business Meeting
- Betsy – Legislative Updates
12:00 * Please note the Advisory Council will meet from 12:00 – 12:30 pm

Apr 29, 2024 | Age & Dementia Friendly, Events
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, May 8th. The session will be held at 1:00 pm. The meeting will feature Norwell COA Director Susan Curtin who will discuss the new Norwell Memory Café and the SE Regional DF Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/groups/southshoredementiaresources.
In addition, Swampscott COA Director Heidi Whear will talk about the newly launched “Swampscott for All Ages Forget Me Not Initiative.” The “Forget Me Not Initiative” was officially kicked off at Café Avellino where staff have been trained to support people living with dementia. https://itemlive.com/2024/04/23/an-event-not-to-be-forgotten-in-swampscott/
You can register here.