Commonwealth of Massachusetts Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
1/16/2018

Lead Agency: Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA)

Government Agency

Action Plan Download

An action plan is based on the results of community surveys identifying needs within the 8 Domains of Livability that influence the health and quality of life of older adults. While there is flexibility in how a plan is created and what it will do, every action plan includes a statement about what can be achieved, target dates for goal completion, identification of participating organizations and indicators to measure progress. The action plan is an "active" rather than static document. Revisions and amendments are a sign of program improvement and progress.

Action Plan Highlights

  1. Communication and Information

    Make it easier for residents to learn more about local age-friendly resources in their communities by creating an interactive map.

  2. Civic Participation and Employment

    Enhance workplace practicies to prioritize older employees by creating an age-friendly employer designation to certify businesses that support older workers and family caregivers, exploring ways to make hiring standards more inclusive of older workers, such as changes to hiring forms, and promoting the establishment of age-friendly universities and health systems.

  3. Housing

    Develop new, moderate-income housing for older adults through new cross-sector financial partnerships.

Progress Report Download

The Commonwealth's age-friendly state progress report works alongside other state-level efforts, including its report on Alzheimer's Disease and a guide for technology access and programming for older adults. To support dementia-friendliness in public spaces, the Commonwealth rolled out age-friendly bus stops, as well as a webinar series to help caregivers access information and resources. They also offered LGBTQ-inclusive aging training for service providers. Housing affordability was also a focus, with the Commonwealth working in reduce older adults' property tax burden through a proposed circuit breaker program.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Wayland Council on Aging (2024)

Wayland, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: Many older adults wanted to age in place safely but lacked guidance on home modifications to prevent falls. The Council hosted three workshops on aging in place and home safety, recorded sessions for cable TV and distributed 100 motion-sensing night light sets. It also installed grab bars in five homes through a pilot program. These efforts increased awareness, reduced fall risks and gave older adults confidence to remain in their homes, prompting plans for future workshops and ongoing educational programming.

City of Watertown Department of Senior Services and Council on Aging (2024)

Watertown, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2024

Project Category: Housing stability

Description: Older adults in Watertown faced eviction risks and housing instability, often without access to traditional rental assistance. To address this, the city launched a Tenancy Preservation and Community Support Program, hosting workshops on eviction prevention, tenant rights and affordable housing options. Partnerships with legal and housing agencies expanded resources, and 18 older adults received direct financial aid to prevent crises. The program strengthened community ties and empowered older adults to advocate for themselves. One participant shared that the workshops "helped me feel less alone and more prepared."

ABOUT THE AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.

See all nearby projects

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AARP has offices in all 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

AARP Massachusetts State Office

One Beacon Street
Suite 2301
Boston, MA 02108
United States

Phone: 866-448-3621
Fax: 617-723-4224
Email: [email protected]