Leadership in Action: Meet 2026 Director of the Year Michelle Kelleher
Lexington’s Senior Services Director demonstrates how collaboration, innovation, and a commitment to inclusion can strengthen an entire community.
Great leadership isn’t always measured by the number of programs offered or events organized. Sometimes, it’s measured by the relationships built, the barriers removed, and the opportunities created for others.
For Michelle Kelleher, Senior Services Director for the Town of Lexington, that philosophy is at the heart of everything she does.
The Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) is proud to recognize Michelle as its 2026 Director of the Year, honoring her exceptional leadership, vision, and dedication to improving the lives of older adults.
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,...
Bridging the Digital Divide: How Barnstable is Empowering Older Adults Through Technology
In Barnstable, Massachusetts, a dedicated effort is underway to ensure that older adults are not left behind in the digital age. Thanks to grant funding and a commitment to digital equity, the town's Council on Aging (COA) is providing...
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
Important HEAP/Fuel Assistance Update, Winter Moratorium, and Shut-Off Protection
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...
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...