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
Feb 19, 2025 | Aging Matters Newsletter, Healthy Aging
At the Bellingham Council on Aging (COA), warmth and laughter are as much a part of the atmosphere as the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. Josie Dutil, the COA’s energetic director, is passionate about healthy aging and has fostered a vibrant community hub. While Bellingham COA has a long history of offering traditional yoga classes, Josie recognized an opportunity to expand their offerings and make the practice more accessible to a wider range of patrons.
“We’ve always had yoga here,” Josie explains. “But after attending a chair yoga session at the MCOA Fall Conference in 2023, it clicked. We realized we could reach so many more people by offering a gentler, more adaptable form of yoga.”
Inspired by the conference and recognizing the potential benefits for her community, Josie and her staff took action. They utilized State Formula grant funding to certify three staff members to become chair yoga instructors. This strategic investment in their team’s expertise has transformed the COA’s yoga program.
“Chair yoga is a fantastic way to introduce people to the benefits of yoga, regardless of their age or physical abilities,” Josie emphasizes. “It’s adaptable for everyone, whether they’re new to yoga or have physical limitations that make traditional mat classes challenging.”
The addition of chair yoga has significantly broadened the COA’s reach. Participants who previously felt excluded from traditional yoga classes now find themselves welcomed and empowered. The gentle movements and modifications offered in chair yoga make it possible for individuals with mobility issues, chronic pain, or other health concerns to participate fully and experience the many benefits of the practice.
“We have people in our chair yoga classes who never thought they could do yoga,” Josie shares. “They’re discovering newfound strength, flexibility, and balance, and it’s been incredible to witness their progress.”
One particularly inspiring example is a family who regularly attends the chair yoga class together. The mother, a dedicated caregiver for both her husband, who uses a wheelchair after a stroke, and her adult daughter with special needs, finds a precious hour of respite and self-care in the class. “It’s clear that this time is a gift for her,” Josie observes, “a chance to focus on her own well-being amidst the demands of caregiving.” Her husband also benefits greatly, finding a supportive environment where he can move his body and connect with others. Recently, he even surprised everyone by standing during the balance portions of the class – a testament to his newfound confidence and strength. “It was a beautiful moment,” Josie recalls. “It shows how yoga can empower people to push their boundaries and discover new possibilities.” The daughter’s presence adds another layer of joy and inspiration to the class. “Her ability to live in the present moment is a reminder to us all,” Josie reflects. “This family’s participation enriches the class in so many ways.”
Beyond the physical benefits, the expanded yoga program has also fostered a stronger sense of community within the COA. Participants connect with one another, share experiences, and build supportive relationships. The classes provide a welcoming space for social interaction and create a sense of belonging.
The Senior Center also offers something called “Adaptive Yoga. “We make the yoga poses available to all,” says instructor Dave Dunbar. So each pose can be adapted to the needs and abilities of the people in class. “Most of the poses we do every week are done on the floor,” Dave continues, “and that means people don’t have to stand up, lie down, stand up, etc. which is hard for some.”
“Our yoga classes are more than just exercise; they’re a community,” Josie reflects. “People look forward to coming, not just for the physical benefits but also for the social connection and the sense of camaraderie.”
The success of Bellingham COA’s expanded yoga program is a testament to Josie’s vision, her staff’s dedication, and the power of partnership with MCOA. By recognizing a need and taking proactive steps to address it, they’ve created a program that truly embodies the principles of healthy aging and community well-being. They’ve not just added a class; they’ve opened doors to a more inclusive and vibrant community.
Feb 4, 2025 | Chronic Diseases, Fitness, Healthy Aging, Nutrition, Public Health
February is a month of love, but it’s also a time to raise awareness about critical health issues affecting women, especially African American women and older adults. With Valentine’s Day symbolizing love and connection and World Pulses Day (February 10) promoting heart-healthy nutrition, it’s the perfect time to discuss how we can show love to our hearts and bodies.
The Link Between Heart Health and Cancer
Heart disease and cancer are the two leading causes of death among women in the United States, particularly for older adults. While they may seem like separate health concerns, they are closely connected. Cancer treatments—such as chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone therapy—can increase the risk of heart disease, especially in aging adults whose cardiovascular systems may already be weakened. Additionally, both heart disease and cancer share common risk factors, including poor diet, lack of physical activity, and chronic stress.
African American women, in particular, face a higher risk for both conditions. They are more likely to develop heart disease earlier in life and experience more aggressive forms of breast cancer. Social determinants of health—such as limited access to nutritious foods, healthcare disparities, and high levels of stress—play a significant role in these health inequities.
Why Heart Health Matters for Women, Especially Older Adults
Women often experience different symptoms of heart disease than men, making it harder to recognize the warning signs. Instead of the classic chest pain, women may feel shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, or jaw pain. Unfortunately, heart disease is sometimes overlooked in women, leading to delayed treatment and worse outcomes.
For older women, the risk increases with age due to factors such as:
- Arterial Stiffening – Blood vessels lose elasticity, making it harder for the heart to pump efficiently.
- Menopause-Related Changes – Declining estrogen levels can lead to higher cholesterol and increased cardiovascular risk.
- Weakened Heart Muscle – Aging can lead to heart failure, where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively.
- Multiple Chronic Conditions – Many older adults manage conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and arthritis, which can compound heart health risks.
For older African American women, the risks are even more pronounced. According to the American Heart Association, nearly 50% of Black women over the age of 20 have some form of heart disease, with numbers increasing significantly among seniors. High blood pressure, obesity, and diabetes remain leading causes, yet many of these conditions can be managed through lifestyle changes.
To learn more about the risk and signs of heart disease and to increase awareness, visit www.goredforwomen.org
World Pulses Day: A Celebration of Heart-Healthy Foods
One simple yet powerful way to support heart health is through nutrition. That’s where World Pulses Day, February 10 comes in. Pulses—such as beans, lentils, chickpeas, and peas—are packed with fiber, plant-based protein, and essential nutrients that support heart health.
For older adults, pulses are particularly beneficial because they:
- Help lower cholesterol naturally, reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Are high in soluble fiber, aiding in digestion and preventing constipation, a common issue in aging.
- Are gentle on blood sugar levels, making them great for those managing diabetes.
- Provide plant-based protein, which is essential for maintaining muscle strength and bone health.
For African American women, incorporating more pulses into traditional dishes can be a delicious and health-conscious choice. Try adding black-eyed peas to salads, making lentil-based soups, or substituting beans for meat in stews.
Show Your Heart Some Love This Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s Day, go beyond chocolates and flowers—show love to your heart and encourage others to do the same. Here are a few heart-healthy ways for older adults to celebrate:
- Cook a Heart-Healthy Meal – Prepare a meal rich in pulses, vegetables, and healthy fats.
- Move Together – Engage in low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or chair yoga.
- Get Screened – Regular check-ups for blood pressure, cholesterol, and heart function are crucial as we age.
- Stay Socially Connected – Loneliness can contribute to heart disease; spend time with loved ones or join community groups.
- Spread Awareness – Share information about heart disease and cancer prevention with the women in your life.
A Lifetime of Love for Your Heart
Aging doesn’t mean giving up on good health. In fact, it’s never too late to make lifestyle changes that benefit your heart. By embracing heart-healthy habits, staying active, and making mindful food choices, older adults—especially African American women—can take control of their heart health and overall well-being.
This February, let’s celebrate love—not just for others, but for our hearts and our health.
Nov 22, 2024 | Economic Security & Outreach Blog, Public Health
I have a friend who is an audiologist, so when I recently saw an advertisement for using the Apple AirPod Pro 2 as a hearing aid, I decided to ask her if she knew anything about its performance, since it seems to be a cost-effective option ($259 at the time of this writing). She tested the product, wrote the following summary of her experience, and gave me permission to share it.
I’ve fooled around with my AirPods to test this out. I programmed a mild high-frequency hearing loss in, and then evaluated the sound that the AirPods were outputting, and they actually did a pretty good job! I was surprised. There are some downsides:
- You’ll get the best results by having an actual hearing evaluation so you know that the numbers you are giving the AirPods are correct (they ask for input from a hearing test). If someone hasn’t had their hearing tested, there are free apps that Apple recommends, but I think the jury is out on how accurate those “over the phone” tests actually are.
- Comfort. You have to have a good fit with the earbuds, or it just won’t work.
- You have to be technically savvy enough to figure it out. I am technically savvy, and I had to do a lot of messing around to figure out how to make it work.
- Your ears are completely plugged up by the AirPods. There’s no air-flow in or out of the canal. They do a pretty good job about not making your voice sound like it’s bottled up in your head, but other body sounds are magnified. When I’m walking with my AirPods in, I hear the loud thump, thump, thump of my feet hitting the ground. It’s a little weird, but I’m sure you’d get used to it.
- The battery life is not great. You get maybe 4 hours out of them. So they are really only good for situational use. Like… I’m going out to dinner and I won’t be able to hear. Definitely not putting them on in the morning and having corrected hearing all day long.
- You will look to the rest of the world like you don’t want to interface with them because you have your AirPods in.
All that being said, they seemed to do a good job, and for someone who is looking for situational help with mild hearing loss, I think they are by far the best option on the market, and the price is right!
Review by Dr. Sarah Moore, AUD
Nov 15, 2024 | Healthy Aging
Nov 8, 2024 | Dining, Healthy Aging, Malnutrition, Nutrition
In 2024 we held three robust discussions on councils on aging dining program. These overviews brought together dozens of COAs with many questions, suggestions and desires to create or improve current options.
Moving forward, MCOA will host bimonthly virtual meetings that are topic specific.
- Beginning December 12, 2024, these will be held every other month on the second Thursday, 2-3pm. Mark your calendars for next month’s meeting and the 2025 dates: 2/13, 4/10, 6/12, 8/14 and 12/11. December’s meeting registration will be out soon!
- Complete the survey below and share which topics are most important to you.
- Through the meetings and surveys, we’ll compile resource listings for each topic (recipes, equipment procurement, reservation/payment systems, etc.)
- Have a resource item to share? Email it to tara@mcoaonline.org. Start today and email your favorite recipe, cookbook or recipe website!
As promised at MCOA’s dining program workshop, here is the kitchen measurements reference poster.
Dining Program Discussion Topics Survey
Now that we had three general discussion groups, let’s focus upcoming meetings by topic. These meetings will occur every other month, on the second Thursday, 2-3p, beginning 12/12/24.
Nov 1, 2024 | Chronic Diseases, Economic Security & Outreach Blog, Fitness, Healthy Aging, Malnutrition, News, Nutrition
Important HIP News
Yes, it’s true. DTA announced it’s lowering the monthly HIP benefit for ALL SNAP households to $20 per month, starting December 1, 2024, so the program can run all year long. The program needs $25 million annually but was only funded at $15 million in the FY2025 budget. Learn how to maximize your SNAP benefits.
The Massachusetts Food System Collaborative’s Campaign for HIP Funding released a call to action asking advocates to call the Governor’s office and legislative leadership (Speaker of the House Ron Mariano, HWM Chair Aaron Michlewitz, Senate President Karen Spilka, and SWM Chair Michael Rodrigues), asking them to urgently dedicate $10 million in supplemental funding for HIP and to stop the cut. Email Rebecca Miller, Policy Director at the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative, at rebecca@mafoodsystem.org with any questions about this advocacy alert.
MCOA ActiveAgers runs all year long
Check out the (current) top ten statewide physical activity categories.
Even if you missed the September 15 deadline, you can still submit your data dating back to January 1. The more data we have, the more robust a picture we can share with the network. Even better, the second round of data covering September 1 – December 31 is eligible for prize drawings.
Review the MCOA ActiveAgers Toolkit or email tara@mcoaonline.org with questions.
Free Webinar Series
Prioritizing What Matters to Older Adults Living with Chronic Disease: This National Center for Equitable Care for Elders learning collaborative webinar series focuses on age-friendly approaches to encourage the development and maintenance of healthy lifestyle behaviors in older adults. Participants will discuss special considerations for chronic disease self-management in an aging population, including physiological changes and social risk factors. Upon application, you will receive the session 1 recording and slides– and join us live for sessions 2-4. Session Two: November 5; Session Three: November 19; Session Four: December 3, 2024. All sessions 2-3 p.m.
Older Adults Meal Funding is in Jeopardy (NANASP Updates)
- This is a crucial time for NANASP members to communicate with their Members of Congress, and share local data and stories from clients on the impact of funding challenges. Find your representatives here. In this current fiscal year, we have the first reduction in the Older Americans Act nutrition program in years with an $8 million overall cut. Neither the Senate nor the House proposal has restored this cut. This has to happen. Here’s what you can do:
- Your Voice Matters! Take our survey to share the impact of funding cuts on your program and clients. Your response is CRUCIAL for our advocacy efforts.
- Write to your Members of Congress to share with them how vital your program and services are for their older constituents. Make sure to share data and testimonies from your clients.
- NANASP and Meals on Wheels America, submitted a letter with 63 other national organizations to Congressional leadership advocating for $200 million in emergency (non-disaster) funding before the end of the year to address the growing waitlists for OAA senior nutrition programs. This funding would provide nearly 75 million additional meals and serve almost 650,000 more older adults. Congress is slated to return November 12th and has a lot on its plate. It has just one month to approve FY25 appropriations bills before the current Continuing Resolution expires on December 20th. The CR holds funding for all programs at FY24 levels and we are hoping for increased funding in the final FY25 bill.
- While we’re advocating for increased funding in FY25, there’s still money on the table your program may be eligible for. Pandemic-era State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) will disappear on December 31 if not used! This was allocated to state, local, Tribal, and territorial governments to use in providing assistance to nonprofits and others. What you can do: Use the National Council of Nonprofits’ guide to secure remaining funds before the December 31 deadline! This is separate from OAA-specific ARPA funds disbursed by State Units on Aging, which we will have an update on in our next bulletin.
Oct 17, 2024 | Age & Dementia Friendly, News, Public Health
We all know what it’s like to be mired in the day-to-day demands that make it increasingly hard to see the forest for the trees and to maintain the vitality of our connection to the meaning of our work.
But there are unique ideas and programs aiming to improve how we build a society that is livable for older adults that are brilliantly worthy of our attention. They encourage us to slow down and take the time to grow our compassion through the extraordinary experiences of others.
A couple programs of this nature came to my attention in the past week: Gold Coats and the living experiment that inspired the Human Forever documentary film (2024).
Gold Coats
The Gold Coat program, based at the California Men’s Colony State Prison in San Luis Obispo, trains inmates to provide a high standard of care for their fellow inmates who are living with dementia and other cognitive disorders. Testimony from the Gold Coats provides extremely moving insight about the power of caring for others in the most trying circumstances.
Human Forever
Teun Toebes, a 25-year-old Dutch nursing student and now an international spokesperson on dementia and healthcare innovation, lived in a closed ward memory care unit in a Dutch nursing home for three years. He wrote a book about that experience and then toured the world with independent filmmaker Jonathan de Jong to learn about international models of care and to create the film Human Forever (2024).
Teun Toebes’ book about his experiences: The Housemates: Everything One Young Student Learnt about Love, Care and Dementia from Living in a Nursing Home
Go ahead—give yourself permission to learn a little bit about creative and innovative ways to provide care and special experiences for people living with dementia.
Aug 26, 2024 | Education & Training, Falls Prevention, Fitness, Healthy Aging, Malnutrition, Member Services, Nutrition, Public Health
ActiveAgers data is due in only a few weeks (September 15)! Remember to submit your data covering Jan 1 – Aug 30 to be eligible for individual and COA prizes. See p. 4 for details. Email them (and any questions) to tara@mcoaonline.org Kudos to those who already submitted reports!
Feeding America Research Finds nearly 12 million adults 50+ experienced food insecurity in 2022. New research from Feeding America “estimates 1 in 11 [60y+] faced hunger in the United States in 2022.” These numbers are up from the previous year, and food insecurity can greatly impact the way we age. Nationwide, this percentage is 8.7% and in Massachusetts it’s 7.1%.
Malnutrition Awareness Week is September 16-20 – Use the special code MAW-MCOA to access complimentary webinars. Additional resources on ASPEN’s Spread the Word page to help you plan and promote Malnutrition Awareness Week include:
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- A tip sheet and ambassador success stories for organizing MAW activities
- A media toolkit with tips for contacting local newspapers and TV and radio stations, a press release template, and prepared public service announcements (PSAs)
- Malnutrition Awareness Week stickers (PDF) in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. And if you’re in the U.S. or Canada, you can order pre-printed stickers by filling out this form.
How HIP Works: We are deep in produce harvest and farmers’ market season. Remember, if one has SNAP benefits, they automatically receive HIP benefits which boost purchases on fruits, vegetable, etc. Check out the video for a refresher on the program.
Falls Prevention Week is September 23-27 – In addition to NCOA’s toolkit, remember to access the free Stepping Up Your Nutrition workshop leader training.
An eLearning Library from the National Center for Equitable Care for Elders – includes modules such as:
Aug 16, 2024 | Economic Security & Outreach Blog, Housing, Mental Health
Our behavioral health colleagues at the MA Association of Mental Health (MAMH) received a two-year grant from the Massachusetts Community Health and Healthy Aging Funds that will enable the MA Hoarding Resource Network to focus on stabilizing housing and strengthening eviction prevention for people living with hoarding disorder. The initiative will involve people with lived experience and other stakeholders and professionals working in housing, aging, behavioral health, human services, public safety and code enforcement, and academic researchers. They will collaborate and craft strategies for broad environmental and systemic change, working towards nuanced community responses to assisting MA residents whose housing is at risk.
The MAMH has created a webpage with a blog about the project, and they welcome ideas and information about relevant resources that you might know about.
The MAMH project coordinator for this is Cassie Cramer, who is also the project director of the Older Adult Behavioral Health Network.
For our September 12 Outreach Zoom Meeting, Cassie will conduct a listening session, seeking insights from COA staff members about assisting older residents whose accumulated belongings pose a danger and could lead to eviction or their homes being deemed uninhabitable.
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.
