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Aging Matters Newsletter & Blog
Your Voice Matters: Join Us for Older Adult Lobby Day to Advocate for Older Americans Month
At the Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA), we believe advocacy is a year-round commitmentābut thereās one day that truly unites our voices on Beacon Hill: Older Adult Lobby Day. This powerful day of action brings together older adults...
The Importance of Community Connection
On a showery and windswept day last fall, while on vacation in Ireland, I had the privilege to meet Paddy, Sean and Seamus and was invited into their Menās Shed on Achill Island in County Mayo. This was on my āBucket Listā, and you may...
Hayley Wood: Championing the Well-being of Older Adults
In a world often focused on challenges, it's refreshing to hear stories of dedication, compassion, and the profound rewards of serving others. Hayley Wood, MCOA's Economic Security and Outreach Manager, offers a unique perspective, shaped...
The Heartbeat of Community: Uplifting Lives Through Council on Aging Social Services
In the bustling heart of any community, there lies a network of support, a lifeline for those navigating the complexities of aging and life's challenges. At the Council on Aging (COA), social services play a pivotal role, weaving together...
From Corporate Calls to Community Champion: Randy’s Second Act
In the heart of Framingham, Massachusetts, amidst the bustling activity of the Callahan Center, a story of transformation unfolded. Randy Aylsworth, a seasoned professional with a background in the corporate world, found himself drawn to...
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...
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
The Benefits of Physical Activity for Older Adults
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...
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,Ā Center for Retirement Research atĀ Boston College May 1, 2025 Across the nation, many older adults struggle...