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Full-Text Articles in Gerontology
The Elder Index At Work: How A Data Resource Is Making A Difference In Service And Advocacy For Older Adults, Center For Social And Demographic Research On Aging, University Of Massachusetts Boston
The Elder Index At Work: How A Data Resource Is Making A Difference In Service And Advocacy For Older Adults, Center For Social And Demographic Research On Aging, University Of Massachusetts Boston
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
The Elder Index is being put to work across the country. This compilation of articles describes some of this work. Successful campaigns to save important property tax relief programs in New Jersey and greatly expand Medicare Savings Programs access in Massachusetts, both rely on the Elder IndexTM to provide critical context and factual support. An area agency on aging in San Antonio uses the Elder Index to show how the rural cost of living for older adults in the vast ranching and farming counties surrounding the city isn’t the bargain some think. A legal advocacy organization in Washington State employs …
Aging In The 100 Largest Metropolitan Areas: How Do Older Adults Fare?, Jan Mutchler, Yang Li
Aging In The 100 Largest Metropolitan Areas: How Do Older Adults Fare?, Jan Mutchler, Yang Li
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
New estimates from the 2020 Elder Index show that living expenses are high in metropolitan areas across the U.S., and many older singles and couples lack the resources needed to get by in their communities. Focusing on the 100 largest metropolitan areas, we compare the 2020 Elder Index to household incomes among adults aged 65 years or older living in one- and two-person households. Based on this comparison, we find that in each of the 100 largest metro areas, at least 37% of older singles are at risk of being unable to afford basic needs and age in their own …
Promising Little Things To Strengthen Social Connections, Caitlin Coyle, Setarreh Massihzadegan
Promising Little Things To Strengthen Social Connections, Caitlin Coyle, Setarreh Massihzadegan
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
Unlike “best practices”, promising practices only require the successful implementation of a program or activity and some level of information that suggests a positive outcome for participants. One key advantage of using promising practices is that they can be adapted and there is flexibility in implementation styles and environments. As well, starting with a promising practice can help solve community problems, and save the trouble of reinventing the wheel. If someone has already found an effective way to resolve an issue or advance the cause, it makes sense to use it. The intention of this document is to alert those …
Aging In The City Of Attleboro: A Community Needs Assessment, Caitlin Coyle, Mary Krebs
Aging In The City Of Attleboro: A Community Needs Assessment, Caitlin Coyle, Mary Krebs
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
This report describes research undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, on behalf of the Attleboro Council on Aging. The goals of this project were to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of Attleboro’s residents age 60 or older. The contents of this report are meant to inform the City of Attleboro, the Attleboro Council on Aging and Senior Center, and organizations that work with and on behalf of older residents of Attleboro for the purposes of planning and coordination of services. The report will …
Living Below The Line: Economic Insecurity And Older Americans, Insecurity In Massachusetts 2019, Jan Mutchler, Yang Li, Nidya Velasco Roldán
Living Below The Line: Economic Insecurity And Older Americans, Insecurity In Massachusetts 2019, Jan Mutchler, Yang Li, Nidya Velasco Roldán
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
New estimates from the 2019 Elder IndexTM reveal that in Massachusetts, more than six out of ten older adults living alone, and three out of ten living in two-person households, cannot afford the basic necessities of life such as food, housing, and health care. The Gerontology Institute compares household incomes for adults age 65 and above living in one- and two-person households to the 2019 Elder Index for Massachusetts to calculate Elder Economic Insecurity Rates (EEIRs), the percentage of independent older adults age 65 or older living in households with annual incomes that do not support economic security. The …
Lexington For All Ages: A Community Needs Assessment, Sue Berger, Jan Mutchler, Nidya Velasco Roldán, Ceara Somerville, Rebecca Mailman, Caitlin Coyle
Lexington For All Ages: A Community Needs Assessment, Sue Berger, Jan Mutchler, Nidya Velasco Roldán, Ceara Somerville, Rebecca Mailman, Caitlin Coyle
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
The Lexington for All Ages initiative is meant to ensure that Lexington is and remains a place where older adults can comfortably and safely age in place. This report describes research undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, on behalf of the Lexington Department of Human Services, to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of Lexington’s residents age 50 and older. Structured around livability principles embedded in the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Community framework, the Lexington for All Ages initiative considers physical infrastructure as well …
Swampscott For All Ages: A Community Needs Assessment, Caitlin Coyle, Jan Mutchler, Nidya Velasco, Sue Berger, Rebecca Mailman
Swampscott For All Ages: A Community Needs Assessment, Caitlin Coyle, Jan Mutchler, Nidya Velasco, Sue Berger, Rebecca Mailman
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
By the year 2030, 35% of Swampscott residents will be age 60 and older. In response to this demographic shift as well as in response to the desire of most residents to remain living in their community, the resident leaders of Swampscott, with support of the Town, have embarked on the journey to become a more age friendly community. They call themselves the Swampscott for All Ages Committee. The Swampscott for All Ages initiative is meant to ensure that Swampscott is and remains a place where older adults can comfortably and safely age in place. It is a resident-led committee …
Aging In The Town Of Weston: A Community Needs Assessment, Sue Berger, Caitlin Coyle, Jan Mutchler, Nidya Velasco
Aging In The Town Of Weston: A Community Needs Assessment, Sue Berger, Caitlin Coyle, Jan Mutchler, Nidya Velasco
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
This report describes research undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, on behalf of the Weston Council on Aging, to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of Weston’s population of residents who are age 55 and older. The contents of this report are meant to inform the Weston Council on Aging, and organizations that work with and on behalf of older residents of Weston, for the purposes of planning and coordination of services, but also to build awareness about issues facing the Town of Weston. …
Wenham Connects: An Age And Dementia Friendly Needs Assessment, Caitlin Coyle
Wenham Connects: An Age And Dementia Friendly Needs Assessment, Caitlin Coyle
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
Wenham is a small residential community of approximately 5,000 residents located about 22 miles north of Boston. Public transit access to downtown Boston located in the neighboring town of Hamilton provides access to employment and recreational activities outside of the town’s boundaries. In addition, Wenham is home to abundant green space (e.g., wetland systems and Wenham Lake) that provide residents with opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The Wenham Council on Aging (COA)is a municipal department designed to serve the needs of Wenham’s residents age 60 and older. It is responsible for advocating on behalf of Wenham’s …
Older Workers In Boston: An Age-Friendly Perspective, Jan Mutchler, Brittany Gaines, Ping Xu, Caitlin Coyle
Older Workers In Boston: An Age-Friendly Perspective, Jan Mutchler, Brittany Gaines, Ping Xu, Caitlin Coyle
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
As this report makes clear, work challenges experienced by older people are not uncommon in Boston. Retraining and upgrading skills are required for some people to retain or secure employment. For those who have not participated in job search for some time, support with job seeking strategies may be necessary. Programs that also offer socioemotional support are helpful to some older job-seekers. Yet while training and job search support is an important part of the solution, these are not the only targets of intervention required. Employers need to be educated about successful strategies that will help them to retain their …
Aging In Bedford: A Community Needs Assessment, Caitlin Coyle, Rebecca Mailman, Jan Mutchler
Aging In Bedford: A Community Needs Assessment, Caitlin Coyle, Rebecca Mailman, Jan Mutchler
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
This report describes research undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, on behalf of the Bedford Council on Aging (COA), to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of Bedford’s population of residents who are age 55 and older. The contents of this report are meant to inform the Bedford COA, and other municipal entities, for the purposes of planning and coordination of services, but also to build awareness about issues facing the Town of Bedford’s senior residents.
Aging In Beverly, Massachusetts: A Community Needs Assessment, Caitlin Coyle, Claire Wickersham, Jan Mutchler
Aging In Beverly, Massachusetts: A Community Needs Assessment, Caitlin Coyle, Claire Wickersham, Jan Mutchler
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
This report describes research undertaken by the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston, on behalf of the Beverly Council on Aging and Senior Community Center (hereto referred to as the Beverly Senior Center), to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of Beverly’s population of residents who are age 60 and older. The contents of this report are meant to inform the Beverly Senior Center, and organizations that work with and on behalf of older residents of Beverly, for the purposes of planning and coordination of services, but …
Aging On Nantucket: A Community Needs Assessment, Caitlin Coyle, Jan Mutchler
Aging On Nantucket: A Community Needs Assessment, Caitlin Coyle, Jan Mutchler
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
This report describes efforts undertaken by the Nantucket Center for Elder Affairs, Inc. (NCEA), in partnership with the Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging within the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston. The purpose of these efforts was to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of Nantucket’s older residents. The focus of this report is on the cohort of Nantucket’s residents age 60 and older. The contents of this report are intended to inform NCEA, the Saltmarsh Senior Center, the Council on Aging, the Town of Nantucket, and organizations that provide services to older residents, …
Aging In Reading, Massachusetts: A Community Needs Assessment, Caitlin Coyle, Jan Mutchler
Aging In Reading, Massachusetts: A Community Needs Assessment, Caitlin Coyle, Jan Mutchler
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
This report describes collaborative efforts undertaken by the Town of Reading’s Elder and Human 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. During Spring 2017, 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 Reading.
2016 Elder Economic Security Standard Index™ For Boston, Yang Li, Ping Xu, Jan Mutchler, Center For Social And Demographic Research On Aging, University Of Massachusetts Boston
2016 Elder Economic Security Standard Index™ For Boston, Yang Li, Ping Xu, Jan Mutchler, Center For Social And Demographic Research On Aging, University Of Massachusetts Boston
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
The Elder Economic Security StandardTM Index (Elder Index) is a measure of the cost of living for older adults age 65 or older living independently in today's economy. The Elder Index defines economic security as the income level at which elders are able to cover basic and necessary living expenses and age in their homes, without relying on benefit programs, loans or gifts. The Elder Index defines an “economic security gap” as having incomes between the Federal Poverty Line and the Elder Index. Older adults living “in the gap” have incomes too high to qualify for many means-tested public …
Salem For All Ages: An Age-Friendly Action Plan, Caitlin E. Coyle, Jan Mutchler
Salem For All Ages: An Age-Friendly Action Plan, Caitlin E. Coyle, Jan Mutchler
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
The City of Salem is dedicated to being an ideal place for people of all ages and abilities to live, work, learn and play. Towards this goal the City applied, and was accepted, to the World Health Organization’s Network of Age-Friendly Communities in 2015. Almost entirely directed by passionate resident leaders from Salem and with the support and enthusiasm of Mayor Kimberly Driscoll and participating City Departments, a series of activities were undertaken to assess the needs of Salem’s older adult population. In June 2016, the City of Salem invited collaboration from the Center for Social & Demographic Research on …
Living Below The Line: Economic Insecurity And Older Americans Insecurity In Massachusetts 2016, Jan E. Mutchler, Yang Li, Ping Xu
Living Below The Line: Economic Insecurity And Older Americans Insecurity In Massachusetts 2016, Jan E. Mutchler, Yang Li, Ping Xu
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
New estimates from the 2016 Elder Economic Security Standard IndexTM reveal that in Massachusetts, six out of ten older adults living alone, and three out of ten living in two-person households, cannot afford the basic necessities of life such as food, housing in a safe community and health care. The Gerontology Institute compares 2016 household incomes for adults age 65 and above living in one- and two-person households to the 2016 Elder Economic Security Standard IndexTM for Massachusetts to calculate Elder Economic Insecurity Rates (EEIRs), the percentage of independent adults age 65 or older living in households with …
Age-Friendly Boston: Assessing Need And Charting A Course Of Action, Jan Mutchler, Caitlin Coyle, Hayley Gleason
Age-Friendly Boston: Assessing Need And Charting A Course Of Action, Jan Mutchler, Caitlin Coyle, Hayley Gleason
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
Boston’s population of residents age 60 and older is rapidly growing in size as well as racial and ethnic diversity. In response to these demographic features and as a means of assuring Boston’s commitment to current and future older residents, Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced in 2014 that the City of Boston would join the World Health Organization’s Age-Friendly Cities Network, in cooperation with the Massachusetts AARP. Boston’s Age-Friendly Initiative promotes eight domains of age-friendliness: outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community supports and health services. …
The Future Of Aging In The Town Of Brewster: Brewster Council On Aging Needs Assessment Study, Jan E. Mutchler, Ceara Somerville, Maryam Khaniyan, Mai See Yang, Molly Evans
The Future Of Aging In The Town Of Brewster: Brewster Council On Aging Needs Assessment Study, Jan E. Mutchler, Ceara Somerville, Maryam Khaniyan, Mai See Yang, Molly Evans
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
This report describes efforts undertaken by the Town of Brewster 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 Brewster’s older population. The focus of this report is on two cohorts of Brewster’s residents — those aged 45 to 59, 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 Brewster, the Brewster Council on Aging, and organizations that provide …
The Future Of Aging In The Town Of Chatham: Chatham Council On Aging Needs Assessment Study, Jan E. Mutchler, Ceara Somerville, Maryam Khaniyan, Molly Evans
The Future Of Aging In The Town Of Chatham: Chatham Council On Aging Needs Assessment Study, Jan E. Mutchler, Ceara Somerville, Maryam Khaniyan, Molly Evans
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
This report describes efforts undertaken by the Town of Chatham Council on Aging (COA), 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 Chatham’s older population. The focus of this report is on two cohorts of Chatham’s residents—those aged 50 to 59, and those individuals who are currently aged 60 and over. The content of this report is intended to inform the Town of Chatham, the Chatham Council on Aging, and organizations that provide services to older residents, …
Needs Assessment For The Topsfield Council On Aging, Jan E. Mutchler, Ceara Somerville
Needs Assessment For The Topsfield Council On Aging, Jan E. Mutchler, Ceara Somerville
Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Publications
The Town of Topsfield’s older population grew substantially during the last decade. Increases are expected to continue as the number of seniors increase moving forward, as well as the share of the Topsfield population they represent. In response to these demographic changes, a study was undertaken to generate and organize information on the older residents of Topsfield and the community organizations supporting their well-being. Special focus was placed on needs of older residents along with the capacity of the Topsfield COA to meet those needs. Methods used included description of existing data, key informant interviews, and focus groups aimed at …
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
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
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 …
Living And Aging In Newton: Now And In The Future, Bernard A. Steinman, Hayley Gleason, Ceara Somerville, Jan E. Mutchler, Center For Social And Demographic Research On Aging, University Of Massachusetts Boston, Gerontology Institute, University Of Massachusetts Boston
Living And Aging In Newton: Now And In The Future, Bernard A. Steinman, Hayley Gleason, Ceara Somerville, Jan E. Mutchler, Center For Social And Demographic Research On Aging, University Of Massachusetts Boston, Gerontology Institute, University Of Massachusetts Boston
Gerontology Institute Publications
This report describes collaborative efforts undertaken by the City of Newton Department of Senior Services, the Newton Council on Aging, The Senior Citizens Fund of Newton, Inc., and the Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging, within the McCormack Graduate School at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Beginning in Fall 2013, these organizations partnered to conduct a needs assessment study to investigate the needs, interests, preferences, and opinions of the City’s older resident population, with respect to living and aging in Newton. The focus of this report is on two cohorts of Newton residents—those aged 50 to 59 (referred …
Coming Of Age In Marshfield: A Needs Assessment Of Aging Services, Jan Mutchler, Sandra Mccoskrie Blanchette
Coming Of Age In Marshfield: A Needs Assessment Of Aging Services, Jan Mutchler, Sandra Mccoskrie Blanchette
Gerontology Institute Publications
The purpose of this needs assessment is to investigate the needs, interests, and opinions of mature residents of Marshfield, Massachusetts, relating to their aging experiences and needs for age‐related services. On behalf of the Marshfield Council on Aging (COA), this assessment was conducted by the Collins Center for Public Management and the Gerontology Institute of the McCormack Graduate School at UMass Boston. The focus of this report is on Marshfield residents aged 60+ (referred to here as “Seniors”) and residents aged 45‐59 (referred to here as “Boomers”). Information about these two age groups was obtained both through the U.S. Census …