Shaping Compassionate Communities

Food evokes touchstones like family celebrations and childhood memories. Learn how two organizations are finding new ways to make nutritious and culturally relevant food more affordable and accessible for older people. Learn more about resources discussed in this episode: Mill City Grows AgeSpan Massachusetts Nutrition Program for Seniors Guests • Pheck Chia | Massachusetts Resident • Stephanie Chy | Massachusetts Resident • Leigh Hartwell | AgeSpan • Dai Kim | Mill City Grows • Grace McKay | Mill City Grows • Tuyen Nguyen | Sizzlin’ Kitchen For more information on this episode visit reimagineaging.net. To learn how your community can become more age- and dementia-friendly, visit mass.gov/reimagineaging. This story was produced with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative. Funding was provided by Point32Health Foundation.

When communities support people living with dementia, we all benefit. In this episode, we’ll hear about programs to create communities that value and support people living with dementia and their caregivers. Learn more about cities and towns that are creating a dementia friendly culture. Learn more about resources discussed in this episode: Dementia Friendly Massachusetts Dementia Friends Massachusetts Massachusetts Councils on Aging Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Family Support Program Alzheimer’s Association – Massachusetts/New Hampshire Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) Guests: • Rachael Cordella | Dementia Friends • Phillip González | Point32Health Foundation • Kara Showers | Dementia Friends • Beth Solzberg | Jewish Family and Children’s Service • Patty Sullivan | Massachusetts Council on Aging • Participants in the Melrose, Massachusetts, Dementia Friends workshop For more information on this episode visit reimagineaging.net. To learn how your community can become more age- and dementia-friendly, visit mass.gov/reimagineaging. This story was produced with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative. Funding was provided by Point32Health Foundation.

There is no age limit on living a purposeful life. In this episode, we highlight Massachusetts programs that push back against ageism, defy stereotypes, and create opportunities for older adults. Explore how Massachusetts is combating ageism and creating opportunities for older adults to share their wisdom.   Learn more about resources discussed in this episode: AgeStrong Commission, City of Boston Operation A.B.L.E. OutstandingLife Massachusetts Taskforce to End Loneliness and Build Community Massachusetts Becomes First State Certified as an Age-Friendly Employer | Mass.gov Guests  • Cynthia Cornelius | Seniors in Purpose and Power • Caitlin Coyle, Ph.D. | Center for Social and Demographic Research, Gerontology Institute, University of Massachusetts, Boston • Alice Fisher, Ph.D. | OutstandingLife • Sandra Harris | Massachusetts Taskforce to End Loneliness and Build Community, AARP Massachusetts • Jeff McCue | Department of Transitional Assistance, Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Harry Pierre | Boston Senior Companion Program • Emily Shea | AgeStrong Commission, Boston • Marian Walsh | Operation A.B.L.E. For more information on this episode visit reimagineaging.net. To learn how your community can become more age- and dementia-friendly, visit mass.gov/reimagineaging. This story was produced with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative. Funding was provided by Point32Health Foundation.

In this episode, we visit a not-for-profit housing residence for older people. 2Life Communities creates affordable housing that focuses on the benefits of aging in community. Hear from residents and staff who discuss housing solutions that are helping residents build community and maintain their independence. Learn more about resources discussed in this episode: 2Life Communities PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) Guests Emily Levine | 2Life Communities Carol Gerrior | Massachusetts Resident Amy Schectman | 2Life Communities For more information on this episode visit reimagineaging.net. To learn how your community can become more age- and dementia-friendly, visit mass.gov/reimagineaging. This story was produced with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative. Funding was provided by Point32Health Foundation.

As we become more reliant on technology, the need for digital equity grows. In this episode, hear from older adults and experts who discuss the importance of expanding access to digital services and explore programs that are teaching older adults how to access and use technology. Learn more about resources discussed in this episode: LBFE, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly Massachusetts Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) Massachusetts Broadband Institute Guests • Emily Carrington | Massachusetts Resident • Hilde Danso | Massachusetts Resident • Jerry Feliz | Massachusetts for the Blind and Visually Impaired (MABVI) • Nathaniel Freeman | Massachusetts Resident • Alex Han | Boston College • Andrew Kolebuck | Boston College • Mary Magner | Massachusetts Resident • Teresa Yao | Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly For more information on this episode visit reimagineaging.net. To learn how your community can become more age- and dementia-friendly, visit mass.gov/reimagineaging. This story was produced with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative. Funding was provided by Point32Health Foundation.

In this episode, we’ll hear what planners in Central Massachusetts found when they asked older adults how public transportation could better serve them. And we listen in on how a walk down a busy street can be made easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities. Hear more about how residents are working together for better transportation and mobility resources in their communities. Learn more about resources discussed in this episode: WalkFit VIPs WalkBikeWorcester WalkMassachusetts Prevention Research Center at UMass Chan Medical School Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission Massachusetts Association of Regional Planning Agencies Guests Karin Valentine Goins | Prevention Research Center at UMass Chan Medical School, WalkBike Worcester Greer Jarvis | Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission Constance Mellis | Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission Liz Myska | Walkfit, Worcester Accessibility Advisory Commission For more information on this episode visit reimagineaging.net. To learn how your community can become more age- and dementia-friendly, visit mass.gov/reimagineaging. This story was produced with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative. Funding was provided by Point32Health Foundation.

The podcast series, ReiMAgine Aging, tells the story of the age- and dementia-friendly movement taking place across Massachusetts. Join the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, as the agency explores local efforts taking place to make Massachusetts a great place to grow up and grow older. This series will highlight changes taking place in infrastructure, housing, transportation, and more.