Age-Friendly Central Mass – Action Plan
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.
The plan reflects on the feedback CMRPC got through community engagement on topics such as transportation, housing, outdoor spaces and buildings, social participation, respect, and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community and health services.
Adoption of An Age Friendly Strategy
CMRPC communities can adopt an Age Friendly Strategy Resolution (PDF) if they are interested supporting the implementation of the Age-Friendly Central Mass – Action Plan.
Discovering the Happiness Factor in Central Massachusetts
CMRPC plans to delve deeply into how planned environment and civic involvement impact happiness and well-being among the diverse populations of Central Massachusetts. Our method of coalition building and conducting interviews will offer a more intimate and thorough exploration of personal experiences and perspectives. Learn more about how you can get involved.
