New podcast highlights Mass. as age- and dementia-friendly leader

The administration on Oct. 10 announced the release of a podcast series on age- and dementia-friendly innovations across Massachusetts called “ReiMAgine Aging.”

The series tells the story of the age- and dementia-friendly movement in Massachusetts, highlighting local efforts to create great places to grow older, including updating infrastructure, promoting volunteer and employment opportunities, expanding affordable supportive housing, increasing transportation options, supporting caregivers, and improving digital access.

“This podcast shines a light on the experiences of older adults, as well as the individuals and organizations who work hard to care for them,” said Gov. Maura Healey. “We hope listeners are inspired by these audio stories and take action to make their own communities age- and dementia-friendly.”

Massachusetts joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in 2018 and released the Age-Friendly Massachusetts Action Plan, which defines tangible and measurable goals to advance Massachusetts as an age- and dementia-friendly state. More than 200 communities in Massachusetts are working on age- and dementia-friendly initiatives, including earning the Age-Friendly designation and/or signing a Dementia Friendly Pledge. Cities and towns are implementing changes to local policies, programs, services and the built environment to create communities where older people can thrive.

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said the administration is committed to ensuring “we are at the forefront of this movement.” The Executive Office of Elder Affairs, which leads the Commonwealth’s work on age- and dementia-friendly initiatives, envisions a state in which all 1.7 million older adults and their caregivers “have the tools, resources, and help they need to fully embrace the aging experience.”

Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh said the “work happens across all sectors” and her office “will continue to seek new partners” and connect across agencies and organizations to develop a more age- and dementia-friendly Massachusetts.

The “ReiMAgine Aging” podcast highlights voices from statewide and community leaders, older adults, and nonprofits through six compelling stories:
• Aging with Purpose and Meaning
• Buildings That Bring People Together
• Enhancing Digital Equity for All
• Moving Forward
• Savoring Food That Matters
• Shaping Compassionate Communities

“ReiMAgine Aging” was produced by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative, with funding from Point32Health Foundation. It is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and at reimagineaging.net.

For more information about becoming a more age- and dementia-friendly community, visit mass.gov/reimagineaging.