đ 2026 MCOA Fall Conference is SOLD OUT!
Thank you for the incredible response! The 2026 MCOA Fall Conference has reached capacity, and registration is now closed.
đ Already registered? October 1 is the deadline to make registration changes or cancel and receive a full refund. After October 1, cancellations and registration changes will not be eligible for a refund.
We are currently working from a waitlist as space becomes available through cancellations.
Weâre grateful for the tremendous enthusiasm for this yearâs conference and canât wait to welcome you to the Wellsworth Hotel in Southbridge, October 21â23! đ
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...
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,...
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.
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