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,...
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...
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
Help Spread the Word: Study Opportunity for Caregivers of People Living with Dementia
Boston College researchers are conducting a research study aimed at developing and evaluating a 6-week virtual group lifestyle intervention designed to promote social connection and reduce loneliness in older adult informal caregivers who are providing care for a...
Are You Joining the Walk to End Alzheimer’s?
It's that time of year again--time to join a team and show your support for people living with Alzheimer's and those who care for them. Walks in Massachusetts are happening on various dates this month--the earliest one coming up is Saturday, October 18. If you aren't...
Leveraging Local Cultural Council Grants
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...