Sep 14, 2026 | News
Building Digital Skills, Connections and Opportunities for Older Adults Across Massachusetts
Estimated completion time: 15-20 minutes
Introduction
MCOA is exploring the opportunity to bring Senior Planet programming to more Councils on Aging and senior centers across Massachusetts.
This survey will help MCOA understand the readiness and needs of local COAs, including available technology and classroom space, staff and volunteer capacity, community partnerships, and the types of programs that would be most valuable to older adults.
Your responses will help us develop a regional approach to implementation, identify potential pilot and hub locations, and pursue resources to address technology and training gaps.
Jul 30, 2026 | Economic Security & Outreach Blog, Health Insurance, News
Alice Bers, Elder Law Attorney with the Center for Medicare Advocacy and Community Legal Aid in Western MA, wrote a guest column for the Greenfield Recorder (July 21, 2026), encouraging enrollees of Medicare Advantage Plans and their advocates to appeal denials. Odds are in favor of those who appeal. Alice notes in her column: “The June 2026 report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General found that when patients and providers appeal Medicare Advantage denials of prior authorizations for nursing facility care, they win 95% of the time.” This advice is for prior authorization denials and denials of coverage in general–not just those connected to nursing facility care. Read the full article for more detail and if you want to make an appeal, consider getting help from the Massachusetts Medicare Advocacy Project, of which Alice is the Director.
Jul 9, 2026 | Aging Matters Newsletter, News
For many Councils on Aging, the monthly newsletter remains one of the most important communication tools they produce. It keeps older adults informed about programs and services, shares important community resources, celebrates volunteers and participants, and tells the story of the meaningful work happening every day.
But creating a newsletter can also be one of the most time-consuming responsibilities for already busy COA professionals.
As many communities began preparing for the transition away from Microsoft Publisher, MCOA recognized the need to provide members with a practical, accessible solution for creating professional-quality newsletters. This spring, MCOA launched a Canva Newsletter Series designed to help Council on Aging staff build the skills and confidence needed to create engaging, accessible, and visually appealing publications.
The response was tremendous.
Over the course of the series, more than 350 participants from across Massachusetts, from the Berkshires to Cape Cod, joined the sessions to learn how Canva can transform the newsletter creation process. Participants represented Councils on Aging of all sizes and brought a wide range of experience levels, from those new to design tools to experienced newsletter creators looking to modernize their process.
Moving Beyond Traditional Desktop Publishing
For many years, Microsoft Publisher has been a familiar tool for creating newsletters, flyers, and other community communications. As organizations transition to new platforms, Canva offers a flexible, user-friendly alternative that makes designing, editing, and collaborating easier.
The Canva Newsletter Series focused on practical skills that participants could immediately apply, including how to:
- Create newsletter layouts from scratch
- Use templates to save time and maintain consistency
- Organize content for easier reading
- Incorporate photos and graphics effectively
- Create accessible designs for older adult audiences
- Collaborate with colleagues on newsletter projects
- Prepare newsletters for print, email, and online sharing
For many participants, the training sparked immediate changes in how they approached their newsletters.
“Our newsletter was completely overhauled as a result of this training.”
Another participant shared:
“We moved to Canva right after this training! Your guidance was helpful!”
Designing Newsletters with Older Adults in Mind
A successful newsletter is not just about looking polished. It is about making information easy to find, understand, and act upon.
Throughout the series, participants explored design techniques that improve readability and accessibility, including font selection, color contrast, spacing, image choices, and visual organization. These small but important design decisions can make a significant difference for readers and help ensure that valuable information reaches the people who need it most.
Participants identified readability and simplicity as key takeaways from the training.
“I will try to focus on simplifying the layout by using more white space, consistent fonts, and clearer sections to make the newsletter easier to read and more visually appealing.”
Another participant noted that the training helped shift their thinking about newsletter design:
“It certainly informed our emphasis on readability and simplicity.”
Building Templates That Save Time
One of the most valuable features of Canva is the ability to create reusable templates.
Participants learned how to develop newsletter formats that can be updated month after month without starting over. Recurring sections such as program calendars, director messages, community announcements, and feature articles can be built into templates, allowing staff to spend less time formatting and more time creating meaningful content.
Consistent templates also help maintain a recognizable identity for the COA and make it easier for multiple staff members to contribute.
For some participants, the series provided an opportunity to rethink their newsletter’s overall look and feel.
“We want to clean up the entire current newsletter once we have Canva.”
Another participant shared a goal that many organizations can relate to:
“Make it look more like a magazine and less like a church newsletter.”
More Than a Newsletter
A newsletter is more than a collection of dates and announcements. It is a reflection of the Council on Aging and the community it serves.
A well-crafted newsletter highlights success stories, introduces new programs, celebrates partnerships, shares helpful resources, and reminds older adults that their local COA is a place for connection, support, and engagement.
By strengthening newsletter design skills, COA professionals are strengthening one of their most important communication tools.
Resources Available Anytime in MyMCOA Infohub
MCOA’s commitment to supporting members extends beyond the live training sessions. Each Canva Newsletter Series session was recorded, and participants have access to additional resources, including checklists, guides, and supporting materials.
All recordings and resources are available on demand through the MyMCOA Infohub, allowing COA professionals to revisit lessons, share materials with colleagues, and continue building their newsletter skills at their own pace.
Continuing to Build Communications Skills
The Canva Newsletter Series is part of MCOA’s ongoing commitment to providing practical professional development that helps Council on Aging professionals save time, strengthen communications, and better connect with their communities.
As technology continues to evolve, MCOA will continue providing resources and training opportunities that help members adapt, learn new tools, and confidently share the stories of the important work happening across Massachusetts.
Because when COAs communicate effectively, communities become more connected, informed, and engaged.
Jul 9, 2026 | Aging Matters Newsletter, News
Every day, Council on Aging and Senior Center professionals step into conversations that require equal parts compassion, patience, and resilience. They help older adults navigate grief, isolation, mental health challenges, family conflict, difficult life transitions, and complex community resources while maintaining healthy boundaries and caring for their own well-being.
Now in its third year, MCOA’s partnership with McLean Hospital continues to provide behavioral health training designed specifically for Council on Aging professionals. Together, the organizations have built a professional development series that responds to the real-world challenges facing today’s aging services workforce.
During the past six months alone, more than 200 participants from over 75 Councils on Aging and aging services organizations took part in workshops focused on some of the most pressing issues facing staff today:
- Hoarding Disorder
- Compassionate Boundaries & Navigating Difficult Conversations
- From Isolation to Connection: Empowering Older Adults
Each workshop was hosted by a local Council on Aging, creating welcoming learning environments where professionals could connect with peers, exchange ideas, and learn together in the very settings where they serve older adults every day.
Rather than focusing solely on theory, each session emphasized practical strategies that participants could put to work immediately. Through real-life case studies, role-playing, peer discussion, and evidence-based approaches such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), attendees gained new tools to better support older adults while also protecting themselves from burnout.
The response was overwhelmingly positive.
Participants consistently described the trainings as some of the most relevant professional development they have attended.
“The training felt tailored to my job in a way no other training has.”
Many appreciated that the sessions acknowledged the emotional complexity of working with older adults while offering realistic, compassionate approaches to difficult situations.
“I left feeling like I had a toolbox of skills to try with people who cross boundaries.”
The emphasis on compassionate boundaries resonated deeply with staff across all roles. Participants shared that they learned how to remain empathetic while setting clear expectations, replacing reactive conversations with intentional communication, and reframing interactions using simple but powerful techniques.
One attendee summed up a lesson many found transformative:
“Two things can be true at the same time, replacing ‘but’ with ‘and.'”
Others highlighted practical communication strategies they were able to implement immediately.
“The instructors provided very relevant, actionable steps for better client interactions. I used some of the strategies with clients the very next day.”
The workshops also reinforced the importance of addressing social isolation, not simply as a social issue, but as a key component of health and well-being.
Participants valued learning small, meaningful ways to strengthen connection, foster self-confidence, and help older adults feel seen, heard, and engaged within their communities.
As one attendee reflected:
“The focus on small, practical shifts to build connection was especially helpful. The strategies are directly applicable and will help older adults feel more connected and confident.”
For many, the opportunity to learn alongside peers proved just as valuable as the curriculum itself.
Sharing experiences, discussing real-world scenarios, and realizing that colleagues from more than 75 Councils on Aging and aging services organizations face many of the same challenges created a sense of connection and support.
“Knowing others in the room had similar experiences felt therapeutic.”
The trainings also attracted professionals at every stage of their careers, from seasoned outreach staff to those new to aging services.
One participant, who recently transitioned from a 25-year retail career into a COA role, shared:
“Working with the public is very rewarding. Having the opportunity to take these classes has been so helpful. Before, the saying was ‘the customer is always right.’ Now it’s about boundaries, and I feel I have much better control of my space when working with people.”
Perhaps the strongest endorsement came from participants who described the sessions as practical, engaging, and immediately useful.
“One of the best professional trainings I have attended.”
“Amazing and relevant content. Relatable to all of us every day.”
“I am grateful to MCOA and McLean for offering trainings on topics and situations that many of us struggle with. These sessions continue to put more tools in my toolbox, allowing me to be better prepared and often less stressed.”
As the needs of older adults continue to evolve, so too must the skills of those who serve them. MCOA remains committed to providing professional development that is timely, practical, and grounded in the realities of everyday work.
The success of this third year of collaboration demonstrates the value of investing in the people who serve older adults. In just the past six 
months, the partnership has equipped more than 150 professionals from over 75 Councils on Aging and aging services organizations with practical strategies, renewed confidence, and a stronger network of peers. Together, MCOA and McLean Hospital are helping build a more resilient, compassionate, and connected aging services workforce across Massachusetts.
With new topics already being explored for future sessions, this partnership continues to grow, ensuring that Council on Aging professionals have access to the knowledge, skills, and support they need to meet the evolving needs of older adults and their caregivers.
Jun 17, 2026 | Economic Security & Outreach Blog, Malnutrition, News, Nutrition
Mass Aging Access, the membership and advocacy organization for Aging Services Access Points in MA, has issued an advocacy alert to protect Meals on Wheels. If you’re concerned about the future of this program, which uses combined federal and state funding, visit their “Take Action” webpage and enter your contact information to notify your state legislators that you support funding in the state’s final FY27 budget ($13.9M) that will prevent future enrollment caps, waiting lists, and delays in service.
From a recent guest column in Worcester Telegram & Gazette, co-written by Betsey Crimmins, Executive Director of Mass Aging Access, and Lisa Kippax, Executive Director of Elder Services of Worcester Area:
“Food-insecure older adults are also more than twice as likely to visit an emergency department or require hospitalization or a costly nursing home admission. This means that underinvesting in nutrition programs for older adults simply causes a shifting of costs to the most expensive health care settings.”
Additional articles that will help you to learn the facts and strengthen your advocacy:
Dec 30, 2025 | Economic Security & Outreach Blog, Housing, News
On December 19, Judge Mary S. McElroy of the Rhode Island District Court ruled in favor of the National Alliance to End Homelessness (plaintiff) in a hearing challenging HUD’s recent actions regarding the most recent Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for FY 2025 and the previous NOFO for FY 2024-2025: these are procedural grant documents for the Continuum of Care (CoC) programs nationwide. CoCs provide housing for people and families with disabilities, older adults, and previously chronically homeless people. Those HUD actions threatened the housing of 3,800 individuals and families with disabilities in MA. It’s a complicated series of events, and if you have some time to dig into this, I guarantee you’ll find the recording of the hearing—even just the verbal ruling of the judge at the end—interesting. Her written court order is here (it’s only three pages). For a useful summary of this litigation, read this press release from the National Low Income Housing Coalition. While this ruling is a win for residents of permanent supportive housing and their advocates, uncertainty looms. For now, the previous FY2024-2025 NOFO has been put back into effect (this is good), and the recently issued FY2025 NOFO has been temporarily paused (also good).
Dec 30, 2025 | Economic Security & Outreach Blog, News
GOOD NEWS: federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program has been released. As per the 12/3/25 press release on Mass.gov: “After more than a month’s delay, the federal funding was released yesterday, and all applications can now be processed.” Read more in the Mass.gov press release.
Local Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) agencies are accepting applications for the 2025-2026 winter season for first-time applicants and applicants renewing/recertifying from the previous year. Please continue to encourage your community members to apply and please continue to offer your assistance.
Low-income members of your community may be eligible for shut-off protection via the Winter Moratorium.
The Winter Moratorium has been put into effect early this season and extended. The Moratorium begins 10/27/2025 and ends 4/1/2026. This means low-income customers will have their utility protected from termination, provided they have submitted verification of financial hardship to the utility company: Financial Hardship Forms. Each utility company has its own version:
The Winter Moratorium helps protect most low-income utility customers from having their services shut off, but this does not happen automatically.
The Department of Public Utilities No Shut Off List
The DPU No Shut Off List provides another means of shut-off protection. Please access information on this program on the state’s website for eligibility details.
Your state legislators are aware that this protection is critical for many seniors, and they are willing to advocate for them. They can work with the DPU and the Attorney General’s team to ensure people get on this list if they qualify.
Please be aware that some gas heating systems require electricity to run. Gas consumers are protected from having their gas shut off as their primary heating source, but their electricity can still be shut off, so getting all the protections possible—for more than one utility connected to a heating system–is essential.
Sep 25, 2025 | Grants & Funding Resources, News, Resource finding, State
Many MA artists, performers, and other cultural program-creators routinely partner with senior centers to apply for Local Cultural Council grants. These grants, offered yearly, provide funds for arts programming that might otherwise be inaccessible to Councils on Aging with limited budgets.
The application deadline for Mass Cultural Council’s Local Cultural Council Grants is October 16.
If this is news to you and you’re interested in learning more about the kinds of programs that these grants support, you can look up any community’s LCC on the MCC website and see the list of recent grant recipients, the titles of their projects, and the amount they received. If you or the artist you’re working with are interested in offering a program to residents of more than one city or town, the applicant (usually the artist devising the program) may submit applications to more than one LCC.
Each LCC has its own set of funding priorities, so be sure to read up on your particular community’s LCC profile, which will also provide local contact information.
Aug 5, 2025 | Healthy Aging, News
There’s more to being well than eating right and exercising! Wellness wheels showcase several aspects contributing to an individual’s health and fulfilling life.
National Wellness Month emphasizes the need to slow down and focus on small yet impactful lifestyle changes that lead to long-term wellbeing. Wellness should be an ongoing priority without being overwhelming. While August lasts for only 31 days, the habits and practices developed during National Wellness Month can lead to lifelong improvements.
Ways to Celebrate National Wellness Month
- Prioritize self-care – Engage in activities that you enjoy! They should make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated.
- Improve your diet – Add more whole foods, fruits, and vegetables into your meals to prevent disease and enhance energy levels.
- Increase physical activity – Whether it’s a daily walk, yoga, or a fitness class, staying active is crucial for a healthy body and mind.
- Stay hydrated – Drinking enough fluids daily is essential for digestion, circulation, and other bodily functions.
- Practice mindfulness and stress management – Deep breathing exercises, journaling, and meditation help manage stress and improve mental clarity.
- Get adequate sleep – Prioritizing quality sleep enhances mood, cognitive function, and physical well-being.
- Connect with others – Social interactions and meaningful relationships are vital for emotional health. Spend time with family, friends, or support groups to stay connected.
- Set wellness goals – Establish realistic goals. Track your progress to stay motivated throughout the month.
Setting wellness goals is an effective way to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. No matter what you want to improve, establishing clear goals can keep you motivated and focused. By taking small, manageable steps toward better health, you can create sustainable routines supporting year-round wellbeing.
10 Ways to Set Wellness Goals
- Define your wellness priorities – Identify areas of wellness to focus on.
- Set SMART goals – Your goals should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound to track progress effectively.
- Start small and build gradually – Begin with manageable changes and increase over time.
- Create a wellness plan – Outlining the steps will help you reach your goals. Include deadlines and action items.
- Track your progress – Use journals, apps or trackers to monitor your achievements. Adjust along the way, if needed!
- Stay accountable – Share your goals with someone or join a group and check in regularly.
- Incorporate mindfulness – Meditation, deep breathing or gratitude journaling supports mental and emotional wellness.
- Adapt to challenges – Be flexible and willing to adjust your goals if circumstances change. Be kind to yourself.
- Reward yourself – Celebrate small milestones with rewards that encourage your progress.
- Make wellness a lifestyle – Integrate healthy habits slowly so they become a long-term part of your life. Consistency is key.
Finally, consider a wellness wheel’s shape as well its dimensions. As a circle, there’s no starting point. It’s ongoing. As is in life, it’s never too late to start. Hop on that wheel and roll into wellness. Create your own path with that wheel. Wellness is a journey, not a destination. Cue more wellness puns and clichés . . .
Jul 28, 2025 | Economic Security & Outreach Blog, Healthy Aging, News, Public Health
Many Senior Centers and other public buildings in Massachusetts are designated Cooling Centers. The Mass.gov website has a page devoted to the creation and implementation of Cooling Centers, which offers many good ideas. These ideas seem obvious when encountered in a list of best practices, but it’s easy to overlook some of the simple but important touches like easily read, large-font signage with hours and the posting of rules of use for visitors. This is a great opportunity to think about whether or not your current signage indicating where restrooms are (among other things) is effective for people living with dementia.
Here are some ways to help your guests seeking relief from the heat feel comfortable:
- Be ready to host visitors of all ages and be alert to the needs that can arise when children are in the building.
- Serve chilled water or make sure that guests know where your water fountain or bottle filling station is located.
- Bowls of water for pets are an especially welcoming touch.
- Offer a matinee: a darkened, air-conditioned room can be an extra treat if you’re screening a well-loved classic or other choice.
- Have extra chairs out.
- Encourage the playing of board games and create some game-friendly spaces.
- Print and distribute safety tips and ideas for reducing the risks of extreme heat.
- Advertise your Cooling Center in multiple languages and utilize your local media platforms so that the community is aware of your hours.
- Collaborate with other municipal departments and boards to adequately staff your Cooling Center.
- Be sure that your public safety colleagues are aware of the Cooling Center and know its hours of operation. Maybe one of them could do a presentation on staying safe in extreme heat!
- Deploy volunteers as Cooling Center hosts.
Does your Senior Center offer a Cooling Center? Do you have any tried and true tips to share with the COA community? We’d love to hear them: please post your best practices (or unforeseen challenges) to the InfoHub!
