Older Adults Take Over the State House For Lobby Day

Several hundred older adults packed the Great Hall at the State House Tuesday to call on legislators to address their concerns. At the annual Older Adult Lobby day the crowd heard from speakers from organizations that serve the aging population. Speakers urged the audience to make their voices heard.

Two leading voices in the move to address aging issues at the State House were the featured speakers. Representative Tom Stanley of Waltham and Senator Pat Jehlen of Somerville co-chair the Joint Committee on Elder affairs.

With looming cuts to Medicaid in Washington, Rep. Stanley talked about the uncertain times ahead but vowed to fight for older adults in Massachusetts.

“Let me reiterate my commitment to keep programs strong amid the uncertainty,” Stanley told the crowd. He told the audience that while crucial decisions may lie ahead, the show of strength in the state house was impressive.

:Your presence sends a message to the legislature: Older adults deserve to be prioritized,” said Stanley.

Senator Pat Jehlen said housing is one of her priorities. She told the story of learning about an 84 year old man who was homeless for the last two years in western Massachusetts.

“The fastest growing group is people living over the age of 60,” said Sen. Jehlen about homelessness in Massachusetts.

She also talked about the senior housing crunch in her district. In Somerville, she said, 200 people remain on a list for senior housing and last year only 4 people got admitted.

AARP State Director Jen Benson highlighted AARP’s legislative priorities for this year: supporting family caregivers, fighting fraud by regulating crypto currency kiosks and making Massachusetts streets safer for pedistrians.

“You make a difference. Showing up is how we win,” Benson revved up the audience. “You Matter. You Matter and showing up reminds everybody about what you need. And they listen to you. And that makes a difference.”

"Every day, 780,000 family caregivers in Massachusetts assist their older loved ones so they can live independently in their homes—where they want to be. They need common sense solutions an Act Supporting Family Caregivers SB1938/HB3159 would provide,” said Jen Benson, AARP Massachusetts State Director. “AARP is also fighting for legislation to protect retirement savings from criminals who use cryptocurrency ATMs to steal millions and working to make Massachusetts streets safer for older adults and those who walk at a slower pace. “

Older Adult Lobby Day was hosted by Mass Aging Access, in partnership with AARP Massachusetts, Action for Boston Community Development, Alzheimer's Association MA/NH, Dignity Alliance MA, Hearth, Massachusetts Association for Mental Health (MAMH), Massachusetts Councils on Aging, Mass Senior Action Council, and Older Adult Behavioral Health Network (OABNH).