Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Needs Assessment For Littleton Elder And Human Services And The Council On Aging, Jan E. Mutchler, Bernard A. Steinman, Ceara Somerville, Maryam Khaniyan, Mai See Yang

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report describes efforts undertaken by the Town of Littleton Council on Aging, in partnership with the Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of Littleton’s older population. The focus of this report was on two cohorts of Littleton residents—those aged 50 to 59 (referred to as “Boomers”), and the cohort of individuals who are currently aged 60 and over (“Seniors”). The content of this report is intended to inform the Town of Littleton, the Littleton Council on Aging and Senior …

Aging In Barnstable: Striving For High Livability In A Cape Cod Community, Bernard A. Steinman, Ceara Somerville, Hayley Gleason, Maryam Khaniyan, Mai See Yang

Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications

This report describes collaborative efforts undertaken by the Town of Barnstable Senior Services Division and the Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging, within the Gerontology Institute at the McCormack Graduate School, University of Massachusetts Boston. Beginning in Fall 2014, these organizations partnered to conduct a study to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of the Town’s older resident population, with respect to living and aging in Barnstable. The focus of this report was on two cohorts of Barnstable residents — those aged 50 to 59 (referred to as “Boomers”), and the cohort of individuals who are currently …

Towards A Sensitive Dialogue Model For Polarized Scenarios, Maria Nardi

Critical and Creative Thinking Capstones Collection

This synthesis is about exploring, developing, adapting and experimenting with rules and resources that support better dialogue processes to improve and support the quality of interpersonal encounters. People are born with a predisposition for dividing the social world into the us versus them, a tendency to form coalitions. Social psychology confirms this predisposition of human and other animals to categorize themselves and others into groups from a very early age. Spelke and Kinzler (2007). As Linker (2015) argues, there are far too many structural pressures working against the opportunities for us to talk together. History, language, media, and political and …

Forging Connections And Building Collections: The Mass. Memories Road Show At Umass Boston, Jessica R. Holden

Joseph P. Healey Library Publications

In this presentation, I explored three aspects of the Mass. Memories Road Show: the public event, the digital collection, and the archival record of Massachusetts communities. I discussed bringing archival resources out into communities (rather than vice versa), and thus reaching new audiences, as well as building new partnerships within those communities.

The Mass. Memories Road Show is a state-wide digital history project that documents people, places, and events in Massachusetts history through family photographs and stories. In partnership with teams of local volunteers, we organize public events to scan family and community photographs and record “the stories behind the …

The Alzheimer’S Association Dementia Care Coordination Program: A Process Evaluation, Executive Summary, Nina Silverstein, Frank Porell, Pamela Nadash

Gerontology Institute Publications

The Massachusetts/New Hampshire (MA/NH) Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association has long sought ways to systematically increase the number of families who utilize its services and support. According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2015 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, there are 142,000 individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and the Alzheimer’s Association estimates that less than 30% of those individuals and their caregivers take advantage of its programs (Alzheimer’s Association, 2015). The MA/NH Chapter recognized that one major barrier to accessing services is a model that relies on families taking the initiative to seek out assistance.

In …

Testimony On The Equal Pay Act [H. 1733/S. 983], Ann Bookman

Publications from the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy

Testimony on the Equal Pay Act [H. 1733/S. 983] by Ann Bookman, PhD, delivered at the Massachusetts State House, 2015 July 21.

Gender Wage Gap Matters To Women In Low-Wage Occupations: Hispanic Women Face Largest Pay Inequities, Center For Women In Politics And Public Policy, University Of Massachusetts Boston

Publications from the Center for Women in Politics and Public Policy

Much of the existing research on the gender gap in pay focuses on its impact on women who are middle- and upper-income earners in highly skilled occupations, such as medicine, law, and business. There has been less emphasis on the impact of pay inequity on low-income women working in low-wage occupations.

New Orleans Revisited: Notes Of A Native Daughter, Lynnell L. Thomas

American Studies Faculty Publication Series

“Best Culinary Destination.” “Best City for Night Owls.” “Best NFL City to Party In.“ “Best City for Girlfriend Getaways.” “Top National Halloween Destination.” “Best Destination in the US and World for Nightlife.” “America's Favorite City.” And on. And on. The list of tourist destination rankings and accolades have mounted in the 10 years since Hurricane Katrina threatened to decimate New Orleans's tourism industry and, quite possibly—as some predicted and others hoped for—New Orleans itself. Things are different now. Recently, the New York Times proclaimed that New Orleans was “resilient and renewed, a decade after Katrina.” Listing New Orleans as one …

Political Contributions By Asian Americans: An Analysis Of The 2014 Massachusetts Gubernatorial Campaign, Michael Liu, Paul Watanabe

Institute for Asian American Studies Publications

The Institute for Asian American Studies’ report on political contributions by Asian Americans in the 2002 Massachusetts gubernatorial campaign represented the first time that these contributions were systematically reported and analyzed.1 In that election, Asian Americans constituted 1.0% of all individual contributions. In terms of dollar value, those contributions accounted for 1.1% of the total dollar amount contributed. This report follows that initial study by examining Asian American political contributions to candidates for governor in 2014.

The 2014 governor’s race was energized by the fact that two-term incumbent Deval Patrick chose not to seek re-election. Patrick’s decision touched off a …

Finding A Financial Planner, Emily G. Brown Jd

Pension Action Center Publications

This fact sheet provides information on how to find the right financial planner to help you meet your retirement planning goals. This fact sheet suggests things to consider prior to picking a financial planner and answers questions like:

• What do financial planners do?
• How do you know if you need a financial planner?
• How do you find the right financial planner?
• What type of professional title does a financial planner have?

Increasing Organizational Accountability And Performance: Activity Tracking For Employment Consultants, Alberto Migliore, Kelly Nye-Lengerman, Jeanine Pavlak, Steve Aalto, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

ThinkWork! Publications

No abstract provided.

Making The Invisible Challenges And Opportunities Visible, Maureen A. Scully, Lisa Deangelis, Katie Bates

Emerging Leaders Program Team Projects

The 41 fellows in the 2015 Emerging Leaders Program worked with community partners to generate the theme, “Making the Invisible Challenges and Opportunities Visible: Collaborative leadership for economic and social well-being."

The projects provide fellows an opportunity to practice elements of collaborative leadership in peer-led teams working with multiple stakeholders. The projects focus on civic engagement, building a leadership base for Greater Boston that is ready to tackle the big challenges that ensure the broader economic and social well-being of the region. The project sponsor with whom each team works is a nonprofit or governmental organization with big goals. Each …

Plenary Session Iii – Medical Track: Reporting At-Risk Drivers To Massdot Medical Advisory Board, Michele Ellicks, Marjorie Weinberger, James Ellison, Debra Kerrigan, Jatin Dave

Older Driver Safety Summit: Planning a Safe and Mobile Future for Massachusetts

This session will address counseling the at-risk driver, healthcare provider responsibility and liability, clinician resources to provide older drivers, and procedures for reporting. This session will also include information on recognizing the sense of loss and grief experienced by someone who must relinquish a driver’s license.

Plenary Session Iii – Policy Track: Focus On Innovation, Emily Shea, Jessica Cicchini, Bryan Reimer, Meghan Verena Joyce, Nora Moreno Cargie, Betsey Crimmins

Older Driver Safety Summit: Planning a Safe and Mobile Future for Massachusetts

Dr. Cicchini will describe the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and how its work can inform efforts in Massachusetts to promote older driver road safety. Dr. Reimer will describe innovations in research and the implications for policy. Nora Moreno Cargie will discuss how corporate and philanthropic partners can support innovative policy developments. Meghan Verona Joyce will describe Uber’s innovative partnership with government partners as a model for other entities to consider as they face regulatory challenges. Betsey Crimmins will discuss the legal and elder justice innovations needed to keep older MA adults safe and mobile.

Plenary Session Iii – Mobility Track: Successful Models For Senior Transportation In Massachusetts, Theadora Fisher, Jayne Colino, Tim O’Day, Erica Girgenti, Janet Seckel-Cerroti

Older Driver Safety Summit: Planning a Safe and Mobile Future for Massachusetts

This session will discuss examples of replicable, successful programs that address the transportation needs of seniors in Massachusetts, including Council on Aging programs, a partnership with a regional transit authority, and a medical escort program.

Plenary Session Ii – Mobility Track: When The Wheels Fall Off, Jean Patel Bushnell, Lissa Kapust, John Paul, Don Blackburn

Older Driver Safety Summit: Planning a Safe and Mobile Future for Massachusetts

This session captures the consumer experience throughout the transition process, their struggle to maintain control and solutions to help them preserve independence and identity.

Plenary Session Ii – Medical Track: Substance And Medication Use, Mary Maguire, Michele Matthews, Stephen J. Walsh, Joanne Thomka

Older Driver Safety Summit: Planning a Safe and Mobile Future for Massachusetts

This session will provide information on drivers’ use of prescription medications, poly-pharmacy, alcohol, “medical” marijuana, and illegal drugs and the impact these substances may have on one’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle.

Plenary Session Ii – Policy Track: Policies That Work, Kathrin Boerner, Jake Nelson, Richard Marottoli, Tom Meuser

Older Driver Safety Summit: Planning a Safe and Mobile Future for Massachusetts

This session will describe policies related to medical fitness to drive and medical reporting. Jake Nelson will provide an overview of the research related to medical fitness to drive. Best practices will be highlighted by Dr. Meuser, and clinical geriatric issues will be discussed by Dr. Marottoli.

Plenary Session I – Medical Track: Identifying Medically At-Risk Drivers, Janet Jankowiak, Brian Ott, Ann Hollis, Elin Schold-Davis, Eugene Scanzera

Older Driver Safety Summit: Planning a Safe and Mobile Future for Massachusetts

This session will focus on assessing and identifying medical conditions that may impact one’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. The session will include information on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, changes in vision, reaction time, and cognition.

Plenary Session I – Policy Track: Policies That Work, David Stevens, Marian Ryan, Kay Khan, Harriette L. Chandler, Patricia Jehlen

Older Driver Safety Summit: Planning a Safe and Mobile Future for Massachusetts

This session will discuss policy formation, implementation, and enforcement issues related to older driver safety. Policymakers Representative Khan and Senators Chandler and Jehlen will discuss the process of getting evidence-based laws enacted, while Middlesex D.A. Marian Ryan will describe enforcement issues and concerns. Moderator David Stevens will talk about advocating for socially just and evidence-based policies impacting older adults.

Plenary Session I – Mobility Track: The Transition From Driver To Passenger And The Role Of Senior-Friendly Transportation Options, Nina Silverstein, Jana Hunkler, Helen Kerschner, William Henry, Noah Berger

Older Driver Safety Summit: Planning a Safe and Mobile Future for Massachusetts

This session will explore the challenges faced by older adults as they transition from driving to transportation options; introduce the strategies of travel training and mobility management for senior transportation; present the concept of supportive senior-friendly transportation and the role of volunteers and volunteer driver programs in supporting that vision; and address risk management concerns in the provision of senior transportation.

Bringing In The Harvest: Laborers In Massachusetts Agriculture, Jane Becker, Diana Limbach Lempel, Angel Mendez, Maria Moreira

Massachusetts History Conference

Join our panelists as they explore the recent history of laborers in the fields and on the ocean. Although seemingly different, the farm and fishery share an extraordinary diversity of their labor force. Learn how “world farmers,” recent immigrants, and long-time agricultural workers create a distinctive Massachusetts experience that can be explored through history programs and activities.

Moderator:

• Jane Becker, Department of History, University of Massachusetts Boston

Presenters:

• Diana Limbach Lempel, Working Waterfront Festival Archives
• Angel Mendez, Operations Manager, Red Tomatoes
• Maria Moreira, Executive Director, World Farmers, Inc.

Latinos In Massachusetts Selected Areas: Boston, Phillip Granberry

Gastón Institute Publications

This report provides a descriptive snapshot of selected economic, social, and demographic indicators pertaining to Latinos in Boston. As the largest city in the Commonwealth, Boston is home to an estimated 124,061 Latinos. This represents the largest Latino population in the state, though several other cities have greater concentrations of Latinos. They represent about one-fifth (19.2%) of the city’s population, a smaller share than for whites and blacks but greater than for Asians.

Latinos In Massachusetts Selected Areas: Everett, Phillip Granberry, Mayara Fontes

Gastón Institute Publications

This report provides a descriptive snapshot of selected economic, social, educational, and demographic indicators pertaining to Latinos in Everett. With a total population of 42,504, Everett is home to an estimated 9,232 Latinos. They represent about one-fifth (22%) of the city’s population, a smaller share than for whites but greater than for blacks and Asians.

Latinos In Massachusetts Selected Areas: Chelsea, Phillip Granberry, Mayara Fontes

Gastón Institute Publications

This report provides a descriptive snapshot of selected economic, social, educational, and demographic indicators pertaining to Latinos in Chelsea. As one of the smallest municipalities of the Commonwealth in terms of land area, Chelsea is home to an estimated 22,484 Latinos. They represent about three fifths (60.9%) of the city’s population, the largest percentage of any ethno-racial group in the city.

Latinos In Massachusetts Selected Areas: Framingham, Phillip Granberry, Mayara Fontes

Gastón Institute Publications

This report provides a descriptive snapshot of selected economic, social, educational, and demographic indicators pertaining to Latinos in Framingham. With a total population of 70,448, Framingham is home to an estimated 12,037 Latinos. They represent about one sixth (17%) of the town’s population, a smaller share than for whites but greater than for blacks and Asians.

Latinos In Massachusetts Selected Areas: Lynn, Phillip Granberry, Priyanka Kabir

Gastón Institute Publications

This report provides a descriptive snapshot of selected economic, social, educational, and demographic indicators pertaining to Latinos in Lynn. As the largest city in Essex County, Lynn is home to an estimated 32,217 Latinos. They represent slightly more than one-third (35%) of the city’s population, which is a smaller share than for whites but greater than for Asians and blacks.

Latinos In Massachusetts Selected Areas: Revere, Phillip Granberry, Mayara Fontes

Gastón Institute Publications

This report provides a descriptive snapshot of selected economic, social, educational, and demographic indicators pertaining to Latinos in Revere. In addition to having the oldest public beach in America, Revere is home to an estimated 13,547 Latinos. They represent slightly more than one-quarter (25%) of the city’s population, which is a smaller share than for whites but greater than for Asians and blacks.

Latinos In Massachusetts Selected Areas: Salem, Phillip Granberry, Priyanka Kabir

Gastón Institute Publications

This report provides a descriptive snapshot of selected economic, social, educational, and demographic indicators pertaining to Latinos in Salem. As a historical seaport, Salem has long welcomed new arriving populations and is home to an estimated 6,149 Latinos. They represent 15% of the city’s population, which is a smaller share than for whites but greater than for Asians and blacks.

Latinos In Massachusetts Selected Areas: Somerville, Phillip Granberry, Mayara Fontes

Gastón Institute Publications

This report provides a descriptive snapshot of selected economic, social, educational, and demographic indicators pertaining to Latinos in Somerville. As one of the most densely populated municipalities of the Commonwealth, Somerville is home to an estimated 7,742 Latinos. They represent about one-tenth (10.1%) of the city’s population, a smaller share than for whites and Asians but greater than for blacks.