Massachusetts Unveils Updated Aging Plan for Supporting Older Adults

Massachusetts is planning for the future when it comes to aging. Governor Maura Healey unveiled a new age- and dementia-friendly state plan, alongside signing an Executive Order aimed at enhancing services for older adults across Massachusetts.

Governor Healey visited the Plymouth Center for Active Living Thursday to make the announcement. The refreshed plan ReiMAgine Aging 2030: The Massachusetts Plan, outlines a five-year vision for empowering older adults to live healthier, more connected lives.

In 2018, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts was among the first states in the nation to join AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities. As part of the designation, the Commonwealth submitted an action plan in 2019. The plan, ReiMAgine Aging, committed the state, in collaboration with partner organizations, to make Massachusetts more livable and welcoming for people of all ages.

The refreshed plan is derived from extensive community input. Last year, AARP helped host listening sessions where people could share their thoughts.

ReiMAgine Aging 2030: The Massachusetts Plan sets six core goals including enhancing economic security, fostering community engagement, and improving health outcome. Read the plan here.

"To help ensure older adults in Massachusetts can live longer, healthier lives on their own terms, we are taking steps to make Massachusetts even more age- and dementia-friendly. We want all of our residents, as well as those who are making decisions about where to spend their retirement, to know that we are working every day to make life easier and more affordable for people of all ages," said Gov. Maura Healey

“Massachusetts leads the nation in making communities livable for people of all ages. ReiMAgine Aging 2030: The Massachusetts Plan supports Bay State residents 50+ stay in their communities with increased opportunities to engage with others, move throughout their neighborhood safely, and be an active participant in their community and the Commonwealth,” said Jen Benson, AARP Massachusetts State Director.

The governor’s Executive Order requires all executive branch offices to embed age-friendly practices into their work and establishes a Governor’s Advisory Group to guide policy across key areas like transportation, housing, and health care.

“AARP thanks Governor Healey and the Executive Office of Aging & Independence for taking a thoughtful and inclusionary approach to make the Commonwealth more livable and age-friendly so people of all ages can thrive — and make where they live and want to remain a lifelong home, said Benson.

AARP works with States, cities and towns across the country to make communities livable for people of all ages. AARP believes a livable community is one that is safe and secure. It offers choices in where to live and how to get around and it equitably serves residents of all ages, ability levels, incomes, races, ethnicities, and other backgrounds. Right now, 124 communities in Massachusetts have signed onto the AARP network of Age-Friendly. More than 100 others are actively pursuing the designation. To learn more about the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities, click here