Your voice can help inform the programs, policies, and services that affect communities across Massachusetts

Registration for Fall sessions is now open!

Bring your Community Partners to Reframing Aging!

Check out the latest offerings!

Register now - space is limited

Updated MCOA Healthy Aging Document Library

Food for 50, ServSafe Training and more

Thank you to NANASP

Multiple languages

Findings, Insights and Implications

Beginning November 1st, HEAP will have limited funding for heating emergencies only. Awarding HEAP benefits that are NOT emergencies will be otherwise paused until the federal government reopens and approves new funding for the Home Energy Assistance Program.

Recent federal actions are affecting the flow of essential funding to states

Listen as Marie Clouquer talks about the solo caregiver on All Things Considered

NPR's Emily Kwong speaks with clinical social worker Marie Clouqueur on what it's like to be a solo caregiver and how to navigate the challenges.

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 Men’s Shed on Achill Island in County Mayo. This was on my “Bucket List”, and you may wonder why, but I have read quite a bit about various Men’s Sheds, and I wanted to learn more about them, to see them and understand why and how they work.

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 by her years as a senior center director and her deep commitment to human-centered service.

Massachusetts Senior Action Council advocacy

OutstandingLife’s new Strategic Partnerships Initiative. As a virtual community for LGBTQ+ older adults, OsL fosters connection through free online programs, serving 425+ members and growing.

Funding is going to Regional Transit Authorities, Municipalities, and Nonprofits to Fill Gaps in the Transportation Network

Updates and key advocacy steps

Older adults face special challenges with disaster preparedness and recovery. Learn how your organization can help seniors prepare for a disaster, and how you can connect them to emergency food, housing, and healthcare benefits after one strikes.

A convening hosted by Representative Kate Lipper-Garabedian

MCOA Congratulates Local Senior Centers and Councils on Aging

AARP’s Community Challenge grants are driving change and promoting livability across the nation. This year, sixteen communities in Massachusetts received funding to implement impactful, age-friendly projects.

Introducing the Weekly Digest!

We are thrilled to announce some exciting changes to how MCOA communicates with you. As part of our commitment to streamlining information and celebrating the incredible work happening across our network, Aging Matters is evolving!

The Social Engagement Innovations Hub houses best practices and data-driven interventions, programs and services promoting social connection of older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers.

Walking is the most popular form of exercise among older adults and it's a great choice.

What can walking do for you?

BenefitsCheckUp® connects millions of older adults and people with disabilities with benefits programs that can help pay for health care, medicine, food, utilities, and more. See what's available in your area by entering your ZIP code below.

A guide on home safety for older adults, with a printable checklist to help assess your home for risks.

Reframing Aging Initiative Guide to Telling a More Complete Story of Aging

Grandfamily caregivers—grandparents raising their grandchildren—play a vital role in providing love, support, and stability. Their unique challenges and rewards deserve recognition and support.

Eligible disabled veterans exempt from automobile excise tax, receiving fee waivers for vehicle registration, driver’s licenses and license renewals due to legislation signed in August 2024.

🎉 Download the Conference App to get the latest updates, view the schedule, and build your schedule! Stay connected and in the loop so you don't miss any of the exciting happenings at this year’s event. You can find the APP in your Phone's store by searching MCOA or using the QR Codes below! Don’t wait – register now and be part of one of the largest gatherings of aging services professionals in New England!

New initiative to improve senior center/COA and ASAP connectivity to local LGBTQ+ elders and caregivers through collaboration with OsL.

OsL was recently awarded a three-year grant from the state’s Healthy Aging Fund, to assist COAs and ASAPs in the development of regular, on-going, culturally-competent programming pitched to local LGBTQ elders and broadcast through OutstandingLife’s free, virtual platform.

Get ready to ride the wave of excitement at the MCOA Fall Conference!

Events, Surveys and News you Can Use

Conference APP is LIVE, Take the DFM Survey, Register for the McLean Behavioral Health Trainings and more!

Behavioral Health Training, DFM Survey, MCOA Awards and more!

National Senior Center Month is a great time to raise the visibility of your center!

Here's everything you need to share how your center is celebrating National Senior Center Month.

NCOA invites you to watch the videos below to see how senior centers have powered connections to help older adults stay healthy and independent. Share the videos and use our sample social media messaging to get the word out to encourage older adults to discover their local senior center during National Senior Center Month in September.

This resource describes how health center providers and staff can engage the informal caregivers of older adults to promote the early identification of cognitive decline that may lead to a dementia diagnosis. For more information about the National Center for Equitable Care for Elders, visit ece.hsdm.harvard.edu

Technology provides #SocialEngagement opportunities for #OlderAdults, but it can also come with risks.

Fall Conference Workshops, Director and Innovation Nominations, Outreach Listening Session

Most houses and apartments are designed for young, able-bodied adults and don’t meet the needs of older residents or people with disabilities.

America’s housing stock doesn’t fit a rapidly changing and rapidly aging population. That’s where the AARP HomeFit Guide comes in. The free, 36-page, fully-illustrated publication (available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese) features smart ways to make a home comfortable, safe and a great fit for older adults — and people of all ages.

This is a $1.7 million increase from the FY24 budget allocation.

On July 29th, Governor Healey signed the budget for FY25 making official that Councils on Aging will receive $15 per senior for the Formula grant that we advocated so hard for!!

Massachusetts Receives $360,000 for Mobility Management Pilot Program

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) announced it has received a $360,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Innovative Coordinated Access & Mobility (ICAM) Program to undertake a two-year statewide mobility management pilot. The pilot program will expand mobility by helping connect potential riders to a wide range of services and bring organizations together where there are gaps in the transportation network.

What tasks can a long-distance caregiver help with?

Many people live far away from their family or friends who need help. If you don’t live nearby, you can still provide support and assistance as a long-distance caregiver.

Below you will find the statewide Part D Enrollment Outcomes Quality Assurance results from January 1st, 2023-December 31st, 2023

Massachusetts’ SHINE program is encouraged to share these results throughout the network, social media, COA’s, etc.

The Profile of Older Americans is an annual summary of critical statistics related to the older population in the United States.

Relying primarily on data offered by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Profile illustrates the shifting demographics of Americans age 65 and older. It includes key topic areas such as income, living arrangements, education, and health. The 2023 Profile includes a special section on living in the community.