May 27, 2025 | Aging Matters Newsletter, Mental Health
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 opportunity; it was a profound affirmation and enhancement of her 18 years in the aging field. Having attended all sessions, Emily’s insights highlight the invaluable impact this training has on COA staff, regardless of their background.
Emily, a licensed mental health counselor, has always sought ways to improve her practice. “I’m always looking for trainings that just help me improve upon what I do, and I know McLean provides professional training, so I almost always am going to sign up for one of those.” But what truly resonated with her about this series was its specific focus on mental health for older adult services, a topic she feels is often overlooked despite the growing complexity of needs within COAs. “What caught my eye about it was that it was designed with information about mental health to older adult services. Primarily, COAs, which I found doesn’t often happen.”
Essential Value for All Staff
Emily firmly believes this training is essential for all COA staff, not just those with a social work or mental health background. She witnessed firsthand how colleagues, eager to help, sometimes found themselves ill-equipped to handle high-stress situations. The training, she explains, offers practical skills that can empower anyone working on the front lines.
“I think the training is for anybody and not specifically for staff with a background in mental health,” Emily states. “We’ve had moments here where I’ve seen some of my colleagues get a little panicked about a situation, this education would be really helpful. I think it’s a great tool for us all to have; you don’t always know who’s going to walk in the door.” From the reception desk to the director’s office, unexpected mental and behavioral health challenges can arise at any moment, and having a foundational understanding of how to respond is critical.
Key Takeaways and Transformative Insights
One of the most impactful lessons for Emily came from the BIG acronym: Boundaries, Integrity, and Generosity. She explains how it helps staff prioritize: “you start with the generosity of ‘I want to help this person, they’re really in need’ to integrity, which is what is my role within the field, and then boundaries of knowing what I can do, what I can’t do.” This framework proved particularly helpful in navigating challenging client situations, allowing her to re-evaluate her approach and set necessary limits while still providing support.
The training also reinforced the importance of active listening and grounding oneself in crisis situations. Emily noted, “when someone’s in crisis, they often think they’re not being heard, or they’re not being listened to. You need to go into the situation, intending to portray that you are listening, that you do care, and that you want to help.” She emphasized that a calm and grounded demeanor can help de-escalate a heightened individual, preventing a situation from spiraling out of control.
Another significant benefit was the sense of camaraderie and shared experience among COA professionals. “It reminds you you’re not in a bubble, mental health isn’t just in Newton? It’s everywhere. So that that feeling of camaraderie… I’m not actually alone. I have colleagues across the state who are running into these issues as well.'” This validation and shared understanding foster a supportive network that extends beyond individual towns.
Finally, the focus on self-care as a vital component of effective service deeply resonated with Emily. Recognizing the emotional toll of working with vulnerable populations, the training underscored the necessity of prioritizing one’s own well-being. Emily now consciously checks in with herself throughout the day: “I’m finding that I’m paying more attention to myself and how I’m doing, and that, I think, is helping me help others. It’s the whole airplane metaphor of putting the oxygen mask on yourself first.”
The “Behavioral Health Training” series is clearly making a tangible difference in the daily work of COA staff like Emily. By equipping them with practical skills, fostering a sense of community, and emphasizing self-care, the program empowers these frontline professionals to provide even more effective and compassionate support to older adults.
May 27, 2025 | Aging Matters Newsletter, Mental Health
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 staff and directors across the Commonwealth. This collaboration is proving to be a vital resource, equipping frontline professionals with the skills and confidence to navigate complex mental health challenges in their communities.
The Critical Need for Behavioral Health Training
According to Ipsit Vahia, Chief of Geriatric Psychiatry at McLean Hospital, the partnership was a natural fit. “Mclean has been a supporter of the Massachusetts Councils on Aging for a number of years. When I took over as the interim chief about two and a half years ago, a priority for me was to really expand our work with organizations that are embedded deeply within the community.” This proactive approach by McLean recognized the crucial role COAs play in the lives of older adults, often being the first point of contact for individuals experiencing mental health issues.
Marie Clouqueur, Director of Caregiver Services and the GUIDE program at McLean, underscores the ever-present nature of behavioral health concerns. “Behavioral health isn’t going anywhere. It’s everywhere all the time, always 24/7, and the staff at COAs are constantly hit with that every day.” This reality necessitates comprehensive training that covers a wide spectrum of behavioral health topics, from acute crises to long-term support. The training series, structured into three parts, addresses common behavioral health conditions, crisis response strategies, and the unique challenges of dementia care, including support for caregivers.
McLean’s Commitment to Community Partnership
The partnership with MCOA is deeply embedded in McLean Hospital’s mission to extend its expertise beyond its walls. Dr. Vahia emphasizes, “This partnership exemplifies the best of McLean’s mission. We see it as a core part of our mission of providing the best mental health care to the community, as also being thoughtful in the ways in which we expand our expertise.” This commitment means bringing specialized knowledge directly to those who need it most, rather than expecting individuals to navigate complex healthcare systems on their own.
Dr. Vahia highlights the strategic importance of this collaboration: “MCOA is that community, at the front line in communities working with older adults where they live. They also are the ones who are the first people to come across challenges, often the first people to hear about behavioral health issues.” This direct connection allows McLean to contribute meaningfully to community well-being by empowering those already serving older adults.
Tangible Benefits for COA Staff
The impact of this training series on COA staff has been significant, providing both practical skills and a renewed sense of support:
- Enhanced De-escalation Skills: The training emphasizes a nonjudgmental approach to de-escalation, encouraging staff to understand the underlying distress driving outbursts. Dr. Vahia explains, “recognize that the reason they are having these outbursts towards you is in some ways an acknowledgement that you are a safe space for them to have the outbursts to begin with.” This shift in perspective, combined with practical techniques, helps staff manage challenging situations more effectively.
- Prioritizing Self-Care: Recognizing the demanding nature of their work, the training also dedicates time to self-care and stress first aid. Marie Clouqueur notes, “one of the best ways that we can help support older adults is to support the people who are already on the front lines doing the work so that they can stay healthy and engaged in the work and not burn out.” This focus on well-being is crucial for preventing burnout and ensuring the continued dedication of COA professionals.
- Real-World Problem Solving through Office Hours: The virtual office hours, held after each in-person session, have proven to be an invaluable resource. They offer a platform for COA staff to discuss specific case scenarios and receive individualized guidance from McLean clinicians. Dr. Vahia describes it as “real-world problem solving,” where staff can adapt and tailor the learned approaches to unique situations, fostering a deeper understanding and application of the training material.
This partnership between MCOA and McLean Hospital is a powerful example of how collaborative efforts can significantly enhance the capabilities of community-based organizations, ultimately leading to improved behavioral health outcomes for older adults across Massachusetts.
May 27, 2025 | Aging Matters Newsletter, Mental Health
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 collaborative “Behavioral Health Training” series with McLean Hospital, a program meticulously designed to equip COA professionals with the essential skills and knowledge to address the growing mental health needs of older adults.
Andrea Cordis, MCOA’s Training and Education Manager, emphasizes the organization’s member-centric approach to professional development. “Professional development’s effectiveness hinges on meeting participants’ needs,” she states, highlighting how MCOA actively seeks input from its membership to shape its training initiatives. This commitment to understanding the network’s needs led to the pilot partnership with McLean Hospital, directly addressing the significant demand for behavioral health training identified through member surveys and focus groups.
The Value of McLean Trainings: Real-World Impact
The behavioral health training series, delivered in five locations across Massachusetts, has been a resounding success due to its highly customized and practical nature. McLean Hospital’s team, led by Dr. Ipsit Vahia and Marie Clouqueur, tailors each session based on a pre-registration survey and real-life scenarios submitted by COA staff. This ensures the training content is immediately applicable to the daily challenges faced by those on the front lines.
Attendees consistently praise the direct applicability of the training. One particularly impactful piece of feedback highlights the immediate utility of the skills learned: “They love that it’s customized to them that they can take what they’ve learned on a Thursday and put it into practice on a Friday.” This sentiment underscores MCOA’s goal of providing tangible tools that empower COA staff to effectively manage mental health crises and support the well-being of older adults.
The interactive nature of the in-person sessions fosters a supportive environment for learning and shared experience. As Andrea notes, “the in-person trainings bring a lot of discussion, a lot of camaraderie and real-world scenarios. It’s a nice way for them to talk to each other as well as the experts from McLean.” This emphasis on peer-to-peer learning, coupled with expert guidance, creates a rich and valuable training experience.
Beyond the in-person sessions, MCOA and McLean Hospital have implemented virtual “office hours,” providing an ongoing platform for COA staff to seek guidance and debrief on challenging situations. This innovative approach offers a unique form of support, as one social worker attendee shared, “she said that attending the office hours felt like the supervision she was missing.” This continuous learning opportunity further reinforces MCOA’s dedication to holistic professional growth.
A Call to Action for MCOA Membership
MCOA is committed to continually evolving its professional development offerings to meet the dynamic needs of its membership. As Andrea Cordis eloquently puts it, “Don’t be afraid to reach out and tell me what you’re looking for… because I can’t guess what the network needs. I rely on the network to tell me what they’re looking for and what they feel will help their professional development. Chances are, if you need it, somebody else is looking for it too.”
Your input is invaluable! We encourage all COA staff and directors to actively communicate their educational and training needs to MCOA. Whether it’s a specific topic, a new program idea, or a format preference, your voice helps shape the future of professional development for the COA network in Massachusetts.
May 6, 2025 | Age & Dementia Friendly, Healthy Aging
Osteofitness class participants at the Lexington Council on Aging
As we age, staying physically active is one of the best ways to maintain overall health, independence, and quality of life. Regular physical activity helps older adults stay strong, mobile, and mentally sharp. While aging naturally brings changes to the body, exercise can slow down many of these effects, making it an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Whether it’s walking, swimming, yoga, or strength training, staying active provides numerous benefits that enhance both physical and mental well-being.
Improves Heart Health
One of the greatest benefits of regular physical activity is its positive impact on heart health. Exercise strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and helps regulate blood pressure. It also lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high cholesterol. Activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming can help older adults keep their cardiovascular system strong and efficient.
Maintains Strength and Mobility
Muscle mass and bone density naturally decrease with age, leading to weakness and an increased risk of falls. However, regular strength training and weight-bearing exercises help maintain muscle strength and bone health. Activities like resistance training, bodyweight exercises, and even gardening can improve mobility, balance, and coordination, reducing the likelihood of injuries.
Aids in Weight Management
Metabolism slows as we age, making weight management more challenging. Regular exercise helps burn calories, maintain a healthy weight, and prevent obesity-related conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Even moderate physical activity, such as daily walks or light aerobic exercises, can make a significant difference in maintaining a healthy body composition.
Boosts Mental and Cognitive Health
Physical activity isn’t just good for the body, it’s also essential for brain health. Exercise reduces stress, anxiety, and depression by releasing endorphins, which promote feelings of well-being. Staying active improves cognitive function and memory, helping to lower the risk of dementia. Simple activities like dancing, tai chi, or even playing sports keeps the brain sharp and engaged.
Enhances Flexibility and Balance
Falls are a major concern for older adults, often leading to injuries and hospitalizations. Activities that focus on flexibility, balance, and coordination, such as yoga, Pilates, and tai chi, can help reduce the risk of falls. These exercises improve posture, strengthen core muscles, and enhance body awareness, making daily movements safer and more controlled.
Encourages Social Interaction
Exercise provides an excellent opportunity for older adults to socialize, which is crucial for mental and emotional well-being. Joining a fitness class, walking with friends, or participating in community sports fosters social connections and helps combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. Staying socially engaged has been linked to a longer, healthier life.
Promotes Better Sleep
Regular physical activity contributes to better sleep quality by regulating the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. Exercise helps reduce stress and anxiety, making it easier to fall and stay asleep. Engaging in light activities like stretching or an evening walk can promote relaxation and lead to deeper, more restful sleep.
Staying physically active is one of the best ways for older adults to maintain their independence, health, and happiness. Exercise helps prevent chronic diseases, strengthens the body, and supports mental well-being. No matter the activity, staying active contributes to a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
Apr 11, 2025 | Education & Training, Events, Healthy Aging
Apr 2, 2025 | Falls Prevention, Fitness, Healthy Aging
As we age, staying active becomes more important than ever for maintaining overall health and well-being. While high-intensity workouts may not always be feasible, walking is a simple, low-impact, and highly effective form of exercise that offers numerous benefits for older adults. Whether it’s a short stroll around the neighborhood or a brisk walk in the park, incorporating regular walking into a daily routine can have a profound impact on physical, mental, and emotional health.
1. Improves Cardiovascular Health
Walking is an excellent way to keep the heart healthy. It helps to improve circulation, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Regular walking can help manage cholesterol levels and enhance heart function, making it a great activity for older adults who want to maintain cardiovascular health.
2. Supports Joint and Bone Health
One of the biggest concerns for older adults is maintaining strong bones and preventing conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis. Walking is a weight-bearing exercise that helps strengthen bones and improves joint flexibility. Unlike high-impact activities, walking puts minimal stress on the joints, making it an ideal exercise for those with arthritis or mobility concerns.
3. Aids in Weight Management
As metabolism slows with age, managing weight can become more challenging. Walking burns calories and helps prevent weight gain. A moderate-paced walk for just 30 minutes a day can help maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of obesity-related conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
4. Boosts Mental Health and Cognitive Function
Physical activity is closely linked to brain health, and walking is no exception. Regular walks help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by releasing endorphins, the body’s natural mood-boosting hormones. Additionally, studies have shown that walking can enhance cognitive function and reduce the risk of dementia by improving blood flow to the brain and stimulating mental alertness.
5. Enhances Balance and Reduces Fall Risk
Falls are a significant concern for older adults, often leading to serious injuries and hospitalizations. Walking helps improve balance, coordination, and muscle strength, which are all critical for preventing falls. By strengthening the muscles in the legs and core, older adults can improve their stability and confidence while walking or moving around.
6. Promotes Social Interaction
Walking can also provide social benefits, especially when done in a group or with friends and family. Many communities offer walking groups for older adults, fostering a sense of companionship and motivation. Social activities like walking can help combat loneliness and improve overall emotional well-being.
7. Encourages Better Sleep
Regular physical activity, such as walking, has been linked to improved sleep quality. It helps regulate the body’s internal clock, reduce stress, and promote relaxation, making it easier to fall and stay asleep. A daily walk, especially in the morning or afternoon, can lead to a more restful night’s sleep.
Walking is one of the most accessible and effective ways for older adults to maintain their health and independence. Whether it’s for heart health, mental well-being, or simply enjoying the fresh air, walking offers countless benefits with minimal risk. By making walking a part of their daily routine, older adults can enjoy a healthier, more active, and fulfilling lifestyle.
Feb 20, 2025 | Aging Matters Newsletter, Healthy Aging
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 takes center stage, transforming lives one meal, one program, and one partnership at a time.
Eight years ago, when Sherry took the helm, the center’s cafe was a modest operation. But under her leadership, it has blossomed into a vibrant community space. From offering breakfast sandwiches and fresh soups to spearheading a thriving garden that supplies the kitchen with produce, herbs, and spices, Sherry and her team have reimagined the role of food in senior well-being. This transformation wasn’t a linear progression. During the challenging times of Covid, the center pivoted to provide hundreds of meals daily to keep seniors safe and nourished, a service that revealed just how essential accessible, healthy meals were to this community.
That experience became the seed for further innovation.
“We realized we could do even more,” Sherry reflects. “Why have someone else provide the meals when we could create our own, using fresh, local ingredients and catering to the specific needs of our community?” This pivotal shift led to hiring cooks and cafe staff, creating jobs within the community while also dramatically improving the quality and nutritional value of the meals served.
Sherry recognizes that finances and education are significant barriers to healthy eating for many older adults. “Giving them education on healthy choices and how they affect their bodies is huge,” she emphasizes. She shares a personal anecdote about her mother, whose eating habits were transformed through education and a focus on protein and fresh ingredients. This experience mirrors the center’s approach, where seeing others choose healthy options inspires similar choices.
A vital part of the center’s commitment to fresh, healthy food is their own garden. What began as a smaller plot has, thanks to an MCOA SIG grant, expanded four times in size. This thriving garden now provides a bounty of fresh vegetables, herbs, and even spices that are used directly in the center’s kitchen. From vibrant tomatoes and crisp lettuce to fragrant basil and flavorful oregano, the garden’s harvest not only enhances the nutritional value of the meals but also connects seniors to the process of growing their own food, fostering a deeper appreciation for healthy eating. This connection from garden to table is a source of pride for the center and a testament to their dedication to providing the freshest, most wholesome meals possible.
The center’s emphasis on fresh, scratch-made food aims to reverse the trend of processed foods, offering an alternative that prioritizes nutrition. “We try to make everything fresh and get away from the processed type foods,” Sherry explains. The expanded garden plays a crucial role in this effort, allowing the center to use homegrown vegetables, spices, and herbs in their kitchen.
The impact of these changes goes far beyond the physical. The center has become a place where friendships blossom over shared meals and cooking demonstrations. “They’ll sit down at the lunch table,” Sherry observes, “they’ll all talk about their lives…Hey, I’m going to this exercise class after lunch. Want to join me?” These connections foster a sense of belonging and support, combating social isolation and promoting emotional well-being.
The center also provides grab-and-go options for those who prefer a quick meal or want to take food home. “We were hearing a lot that people don’t want to cook just for themselves,” Sherry explains. The cafe offers affordable, nutritious meals, often using the previous day’s lunch or fresh soups, ensuring access to healthy food for everyone. The prices are kept deliberately low, recognizing that most seniors are on fixed incomes.
Partnerships are integral to the center’s success. The city council provides funding for the lunch program, and the center actively pursues grants to support its various initiatives. They collaborate with organizations like the Western Mass Food Bank, Baystate Health, and local assisted living facilities. One exciting collaboration brings participants to the new local food bank for live cooking classes, teaching them valuable skills to prepare nutritious meals at home. They also partner with local farms, providing farm share opportunities and farmers’ market coupons to encourage access to fresh produce. The center even experimented with a mobile grocery store to further enhance food access.
Sherry shared heartwarming stories of personal transformations. One gentleman, struggling with isolation after losing his wife, now comes to the center almost daily, participating in meals, classes, and making new friends. Sherry’s own mother, after an accident, returned to the center, embraced by her friends there, who encouraged her rehabilitation.
Sherry’s advice to other COAs is to embrace collaboration and not be intimidated by grant writing. She emphasizes the importance of brainstorming with staff and the community to generate new ideas and tailor programs to the specific needs of the local population. She also suggests exploring the rich tapestry of cultures within the community and incorporating their culinary traditions into the center’s offerings. “Food always seems to be that unifying thing that people come around to,” Sherry reflects.
By creating a welcoming space where food, community, and learning intertwine, the Chicopee River Mills Senior Center is truly a model for healthy aging in action.
Feb 20, 2025 | Aging Matters Newsletter, Healthy Aging
Want to know the secret to a thriving community of older adults? In Massachusetts, the answer lies in empowerment.
The Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) is dedicated to equipping local Councils on Aging (COAs) with everything they need to create impactful healthy aging programs. From resources and technical support to funding opportunities, MCOA is a true champion for older adults.
At the heart of MCOA’s commitment to healthy aging is Tara Hammes, RDN, the Healthy Aging Manager. Tara’s passion for empowering older adults shines through in her work.
Tara’s Journey: From Emergency Food Programs to Healthy Aging
Tara’s career in community nutrition began in emergency food programs, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by older adults in accessing nutritious food. This experience sparked her interest in addressing malnutrition and promoting healthier eating habits among this vulnerable population.
Over the years, Tara has developed a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of healthy aging. She has conducted numerous presentations and workshops for COAs, sharing her insights on various topics, including brain health, supermarket savvy shopping, and getting enough protein.
MCOA’s Approach to Healthy Aging
MCOA recognizes that healthy aging is a multifaceted endeavor, encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being. Tara’s work aligns perfectly with MCOA’s mission to provide comprehensive support to COAs in promoting a well-rounded approach to healthy aging.
One of MCOA’s key initiatives is the ActiveAgers program, which aims to encourage COAs to offer diverse physical activities and social engagement opportunities to their members. Tara’s involvement in this program has been instrumental in promoting the importance of exercise and physical activity in maintaining overall health and well-being.
In addition to the ActiveAgers program, MCOA also provides COAs with a variety of resources and tools to support their efforts in promoting healthy aging. These resources include fact sheets, presentations, and webinars on a range of topics, from nutrition and exercise to stress management and social engagement.
Tara’s Passion for Education and Empowerment
Tara is passionate about educating and empowering older adults to take charge of their health and well-being. She believes that by providing them with the necessary knowledge and resources, they can make informed choices and lead healthier lives.
“It’s never too late to start,” says Tara. “Whether you begin at home with body weight exercises or jump right into a class at your local Council on Aging, the important thing is to get moving! COAs are a fantastic place to stay active and connect with others – it’s a win-win.”
Tara’s dedication to this cause is evident in her work and she is always willing to go the extra mile to help COAs and their members, whether it’s by providing training and support or developing new resources.
A Focus on the Future of Healthy Aging
MCOA, through the work of Tara and others, is helping to create a healthier and more vibrant future for older adults in Massachusetts. Their efforts remind us of the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to our well-being. By embracing a healthy lifestyle, we can all live longer, happier, and more fulfilling lives. To learn more about MCOA’s healthy aging programs and resources, visit [https://mcoaonline.org/healthy-aging/].
Feb 20, 2025 | Age & Dementia Friendly, Aging Matters Newsletter, Healthy Aging
A Conversation with James Fuccione of the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative
When it comes to creating communities where older adults can thrive, James Fuccione, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative, emphasizes one key ingredient: partnership. As he puts it, “It’s all about asking and listening and telling a story… getting the community to tell their story about what healthy aging means.” And a crucial part of that story is the concept of age-friendly.
This collaborative spirit lies at the heart of building age and dementia friendly communities. It’s about bringing together diverse voices – Councils on Aging (COAs), town officials, schools, businesses, healthcare providers, and older adults themselves – to create environments that support well-being and inclusivity. Because what constitutes “healthy aging” can vary significantly from one community to the next. What works in a bustling city might be very different from the needs of a rural town. That’s why understanding the specific context of each community is so vital.
A 500-Foot View of an Age-Friendly Community
An age and dementia friendly community is one that actively supports the health and well-being of its older residents. It recognizes that aging is a natural part of life and seeks to create environments where everyone can thrive, regardless of age. This often translates into improvements across several key domains that combines age friendly and dementia friendly principles so communities can be more inclusive. Based on feedback, communities may choose any combination of these focus areas and can even build or elevate other priorities. The “Salem for All Ages” initiative, for example, highlights volunteerism as a distinct priority.
- Access, Equity, and Cultural Inclusion: Ensuring that all older adults, regardless of background, identity, or ability, have equitable access to resources, opportunities, and services. This includes addressing disparities and promoting cultural sensitivity in all aspects of community life.
- Outdoor Spaces and Buildings: Safe, accessible, and welcoming public spaces that encourage social interaction and physical activity. Think well-maintained parks, accessible sidewalks, and community centers designed with the needs of older adults in mind.
- Housing: Diverse and adaptable choices allow older adults to age in place safely and comfortably. This could include home modification programs, accessible housing units, and supportive living communities.
- Social Inclusion and Participation: Encouraged and celebrated through opportunities for intergenerational connections, volunteerism, and lifelong learning. Community centers buzzing with activities, shared spaces in schools and libraries, and mentorship programs connecting older adults with younger generations are all hallmarks of age-friendly communities.
- Transportation: Accessible and affordable options connect older adults to social activities, healthcare, and essential services. Think ride-sharing programs, volunteer driver networks, and expanded public transportation options tailored to the needs of older adults.
- Civic Participation and Employment: Opportunities for older adults to remain active in their communities through volunteer work, civic engagement, and flexible employment options. Valuing the experience and knowledge of older adults and providing avenues for them to contribute.
- Communication and Technology: Accessible and user-friendly information channels keep older adults informed about community resources, programs, and events. Bridging the digital divide and ensuring older adults have the skills and access to technology they need to stay connected.
- Services (Business, Health, and Community): Access to a range of health and social services, as well as businesses catering to their needs, that are tailored to the needs of older adults, promoting both physical and mental well-being.
- Public Safety: Creating a safe and secure environment for older adults, addressing issues such as crime prevention, fall prevention, and emergency preparedness. Promoting a sense of security and well-being in the community.
Map of AF/DF current Communities
The Power of Regional Approaches
Fuccione highlights the importance of regional collaboration, particularly for smaller communities with limited resources. Often in Massachusetts, individual communities are left to pursue grants or address needs, but these regional efforts have proven that cities and small towns can support each other. By working together, neighboring communities can pool resources, share best practices, and create a broader impact. This could involve joint transportation initiatives, regional volunteer programs, or shared community spaces. This regional approach is especially valuable for creating age-friendly communities because it allows smaller towns to leverage the resources and expertise of larger partners.
Resources for Building Age-Friendly Communities:
By embracing a collaborative, community-driven approach, and by understanding the unique needs of each locality, we can create truly age-friendly environments where older adults are valued, supported, and empowered to live their best lives. As Fuccione reminds us, “It’s an investment in all of our futures.”
Feb 19, 2025 | Aging Matters Newsletter, Healthy Aging, Mental Health
In the heart of bustling Boston, amidst the challenges of aging in a fast-paced world, a quiet revolution is taking place. Bob Linscott, the Wellness Manager for the Age Strong Commission, is on a mission to bring mindfulness and relaxation to the city’s older adults. With a gentle demeanor and a deep understanding of the human experience, Bob is helping people find calm amidst the chaos.
8 Week Series on Mindfulness at BCYF Community Center Hyde Park
From Trauma-Informed Care to City-Wide Wellness
Bob’s journey into mindfulness began with his work with the LGBTQ+ Aging Project, where he witnessed the profound impact of stigma and discrimination on the physical and mental well-being of older adults. This experience led him to explore mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) as a powerful tool for healing and resilience.
“I was concerned about the effects of lifelong stigma and discrimination on the body,” Bob explains. “MBSR felt like the perfect way to address that level of trauma and stress.”
After becoming a certified MBSR teacher, Bob’s work caught the attention of Age Strong Commissioner Emily Shea, who recognized the urgent need for mental health interventions, especially in the wake of the pandemic. Social isolation, heightened anxiety, and the constant barrage of information had taken a toll on older adults across the city.
“The pandemic really exacerbated the challenges older adults were facing,” Bob recalls. “People were isolated in their apartments, and the sense of community in senior buildings started to fade.”
Crafting Calm: An 8-Week Journey
Bob embarked on a city-wide listening tour, talking to older adults in senior housing, community centers, and faith communities to understand their unique needs. He then crafted an 8-week mindfulness program designed to address these specific challenges.
The program covers a range of topics, from introductory mindfulness and meditation to stress reduction techniques, sleep hygiene, sound meditation, managing chronic pain, and cultivating loving-kindness. Each module is designed to be flexible, allowing Bob to tailor the program to the specific needs of each community.
“I wanted to create a program that was both accessible and inclusive,” Bob emphasizes. “It’s important to meet people where they are and offer tools they can use in their daily lives.”
8 Week Mindfulness Series with Cape Verdean older adults at Bowdoin Street Health Center in Dorchester
The Power of Slowing Down
A core principle of Bob’s program is the importance of slowing down. In a world that’s constantly accelerating, older adults often feel overwhelmed and left behind. Bob helps them recognize the toll this relentless pace takes on their bodies and minds.
“We live in our heads far too much,” Bob observes. “We get caught in worry and rumination, which constantly engages the stress response in our bodies.”
Mindfulness practices, even something as simple as a breathing exercise, can help people manually engage their parasympathetic nervous system, shifting from fight-or-flight to a state of calm and rest.
“It’s never too late to start,” Bob assures. “Mindfulness is about learning to be present in your body, to appreciate it, and to treat it with kindness.”
The Power of Rest: Mindfulness for Better Sleep
One area where Bob is making a tangible difference is sleep health. “Sleep is absolutely crucial for good health,” he emphasizes, “and it was striking how consistently poor sleep quality came up during my listening tour.” Recognizing the critical link between sleep and overall well-being, particularly the connection between poor sleep and dementia-related diseases, Bob developed a dedicated session focused on mindfulness strategies for improved sleep. This work has even led to a collaboration with Dr. Rebecca Robbins of Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Together, they received a National Institute on Aging grant to develop a program using mindfulness tools to help seniors in low-income housing develop healthier sleep habits. “This grant is a fantastic opportunity to reach seniors who may face additional barriers to accessing sleep health resources,” Bob shares.
8 Week Series on Mindfulness at West Roxbury Senior Center Pilot
From Skepticism to Transformation
One of the biggest challenges Bob faces is overcoming skepticism about mindfulness. Some older adults, particularly those from previous generations, may be hesitant to embrace practices that seem unfamiliar or “out there.”
Bob addresses this by demystifying mindfulness from the very beginning. He shows examples of how the word is used in everyday life, often in a superficial way, and then delves into the true meaning of the practice.
He also guides participants through a simple grounding exercise, helping them experience the immediate benefits of mindfulness firsthand. This often leads to a powerful realization.
“People are amazed at how different they feel after just a few minutes of practice,” Bob says. “It breaks the cycle of worry and brings them back into their bodies.”
Stories of Impact
The impact of Bob’s mindfulness programs is profound. He shares stories of older adults who have found relief from anxiety, improved their sleep, and discovered a newfound sense of calm and well-being.
One woman from a Cape Verdean class wrote, “Before this class, I was agitated. Now I’m learning to meditate, and it feels great. It’s helping me be a better version of myself.”
Another participant shared a powerful story of how mindfulness helped her manage a panic attack. “I was able to calm myself down without calling 911,” she explained. “It was this class that made me get myself out of it.”
Year-long series on Mindfulness and Dementia in China Town Bob with Age Strong colleague Corinne White
Tips for Councils on Aging
Bob encourages other Councils on Aging to start similar programs in their communities. His advice is to connect with institutions like the Center for Mindfulness at UMass Medical School or Brown University, which can provide resources and connect COAs with qualified mindfulness teachers in their area.
He also emphasizes the importance of self-care for COA staff, who often carry a heavy burden of responsibility. “They need to learn to manage their own stress,” Bob advises. “Mindfulness practices can be incredibly helpful for them as well.”
Three simple mindfulness tools to use when feeling stressed or anxious (Bob’s Tips):
- STOP Technique: Stop what you are doing Take a breath, Observe what is going on in your body, in your thoughts, in your heart/emotions Proceed with something that will bring you ease (walk, talking to a friend, music).
- 3 Intentional Breaths: When every you get upset or rattled, pause, close your eyes, follow your breath all the way in and all the way out. Do this three times. It will reset your nervous system.
- 3 Step Breathing Practice (AGE!) : A = Bring Awareness to what is going on in your body/thoughts/heart G= Gather and focus your attention to just the sensations of your breathing and belly rising and falling and E = Expand your awareness outwards to feel your feet on the floor, sit bones in the chair, touch of your hands and widen to take in your whole body.
You can also find plenty of free guided meditations on free apps like Insight Timer.
Bob Linscott’s work is a testament to the power of mindfulness to transform lives. He’s not just teaching techniques; he’s fostering a culture of compassion, connection, and well-being in communities across Boston. By helping older adults find calm in the chaos, he’s empowering them to live healthier, more fulfilling lives.
Photos Courtesy of Bob Linscott
