ABOUT AGE FRIENDLY CENTRAL MASS
The age-friendly movement has grown to include more than 100 communities across Massachusetts, including more than 85 recognized as dementia friendly. Many more communities are considered “emerging,” which means they are working towards an age- and dementia friendly designation. The designation itself is a commitment to obtain feedback on recognizing the strengths and opportunities that promote healthy aging for all, develop an action plan, and then partner with stakeholders on implementation.
In light of this progression, the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Commission (CMRPC), in partnership with the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative (MHAC), was awarded District Local Technical Assistance (DLTA) funding in March of 2022 to pursue a regional age-dementia friendly designation. This effort coincides with the agency's development of Imagine2050 - a region-wide comprehensive planning initiative that aims to improve the welfare and prosperity for those that live, work, and visit Central Massachusetts - to provide an age-friendly perspective that supports the plan.
Project Timeline
The Community Age Friendly Needs Assessment Survey was live between April 27th and August 26th, and received a total of 275 responses. The Survey Summary Report provides detailed context of the Central Massachusetts Region with an age friendly lens, and analyzes survey responses to understand the needs of older adults.