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Aging Matters Newsletter & Blog
Bridging Theory and Practice: How Social Work Interns Make a Difference at the COA
For Andrew Sylvia, an advanced standing Master of Social Work Student at Bridgewater State, the path to social work felt like a "calling." His experiences working with children with behavioral disorders and his close relationship with his...
From Garden to Table: Cultivating Community and Healthy Aging at the Chicopee River Mills Senior Center
At the Chicopee River Mills Senior Center, food is more than just sustenance; it's a catalyst for connection, a tool for empowerment, and a cornerstone of healthy aging. Sherry Manyak, the center's director, and her staff have cultivated...
Discovering Healthy Aging at MCOA: Empowering Older Adults in Massachusetts
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...
Building an Age and Dementia Friendly Community: It Takes a Village (and a Region!)
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,...
Finding Calm in Chaos: How Mindfulness is Helping Older Adults in Boston
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...
Finding Balance: How Bellingham COA Expanded Yoga Offerings to Embrace All Abilities
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...
Connecting Generations Through Technology: How Hybrid Programming is Transforming Senior Centers
Across Massachusetts, a wave of innovation is sweeping through senior centers, thanks to the Hybrid Programming for Councils on Aging grant. This federally funded initiative, stemming from the American Rescue Plan Act and awarded by the...
Bridging the Distance, Bridging Generations: Hybrid Programming Supports Older Adults and Caregivers
The Hybrid Programming grant is making waves in Massachusetts, particularly in the towns of Halifax and Bridgewater. Bridgewater COA Director Emily Williams shared how this initiative is not only addressing the needs of older adults,...
Building Digital Bridges: The Town of Easthampton’s Collaborative Approach to Digital Equity
In Easthampton, Massachusetts, a comprehensive initiative is underway to bridge the digital divide and empower residents of all ages. This multifaceted project, driven by a strong network of community partners, aims to address the various...
Building Digital Resilience on Cape Cod: A Collaborative Approach to Digital Inclusion
On Cape Cod, a concerted effort is underway to address the growing need for digital equity among older adults. As technology becomes increasingly essential for accessing services, staying connected, and maintaining independence,...
MCOA Leads Dementia Friendly MA, Offering Resources and Grants
MCOA is the state lead for the Dementia Friendly Massachusetts (DFM) initiative, a community-based, grassroots movement to grow awareness, services, and infrastructure to support the lives of people living with dementia and their caregivers. Communities often choose to merge DFM goals with corresponding and overlapping goals for network membership in the Age-Friendly Massachusetts movement, which is steered by AARP-MA.
Latest News
Low Cost Internet Bill–Pointers for Written Testimony
Low cost access to high speed internet is the main building block of digital equity. Are you observing older adult community members who are lacking access to essential services due to lack of access to the internet? Please consider sharing your experiences in written...
Wealth Gaps in the Golden Years May 2025 Report
Wealth Gaps in the Golden Years: Economic Insecurity for Older Adults in a High-Cost State By Kelly Harrington, Luc Schuster Boston Indicators. Laura D. Quinby, Center for Retirement Research at Boston College May 1, 2025 Across the nation, many older adults struggle...