Governor Healey Signs Executive Order, Releases Updated State Plan for Supporting Older Adults in Massachusetts
The Executive Order directs all offices across the executive branch to identify areas where age-friendly policies and practices can be embedded in their work to improve the health and wellbeing of aging adults in Massachusetts. The Executive Order also establishes a Governor’s Advisory Group on Age-Friendly Policies and Practices to gather stakeholder and expert input on relevant areas such as transportation, housing, regional planning, economic security, retirement and other issues affecting older adults and aging populations.
“Massachusetts isn't just the best state to go to school or start your career – it’s also the best state to retire and live your happiest,
healthiest life. But we know that far too many of our older residents are facing challenges, especially with affordability, housing and health care,” said Governor Maura Healey. “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.”
“1.7 million adults over the age of 60 call Massachusetts home — nearly a quarter of our population,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our administration is committed to making our state more affordable, competitive and equitable, and a key piece of that strategy is to empower our residents to make the best decisions for themselves when it comes to work, retirement and living a happy and healthy life right here in Massachusetts.”
Additionally, Governor Healey today unveiled the state’s updated age- and dementia-friendly state plan, which provides a framework for both communities and state agencies to guide their age- and dementia-friendly actions for the next five years. “ReiMAgine Aging 2030: The Massachusetts Plan” articulates the state’s vision and aspirations for growing older in Massachusetts. The plan, which includes an in-depth analysis of the state’s aging population, identifies challenges older residents face when aging in Massachusetts. Additionally, the plan outlines strategies and specific actions that state agencies, local communities, community-based organizations, and the private sector can implement to ensure Massachusetts continues to be a great place for everyone to grow old.
The plan has been updated from the previous 2019 plan to reflect the most current priorities, needs, and aspirations of Massachusetts communities. This refreshed plan was developed with significant community and stakeholder input. Throughout 2024, the state hosted a series of community listening sessions to understand our residents’ priorities for the future. The following goals emerged from these sessions:
Economic Opportunity & Security: Every older individual across Massachusetts can meet their basic financial needs
People & Communities: Older adults and families are empowered decision makers with meaningful connections to their communities
Places & Spaces: Natural and built environments enhance older adults’ mobility and livability
Health & Wellness: Older adults have optimal health for a high quality of life
Aging in All Policies: All local, regional, and statewide policies consider the implications for older adults
Information, Communication & Framing: Information is broadly accessible and reframes aging to value older adults
“Since Massachusetts released its first age-friendly plan five years ago, the Commonwealth – and country – have changed significantly, and some of the needs and goals of our older residents have changed with it,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “As we spoke to older adults to create this plan, we learned what matters most to today’s residents: serving them in their communities whenever possible, clear and effective communication, preventative care and mental health resources. This new plan is a guide to help us accomplish that.”
“This plan is a fantastic resource for our municipalities and regional agencies to refer to when applying for age-friendly grants,” said Aging and Independence Secretary Robin Lipson. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration and legislature continue to increase investments to Councils on Aging and senior centers, enabling our communities to innovate and expand their age-friendly actions. Our hope is that this plan will be used as a roadmap to guide these projects.”
"With 47% of Plymouth’s population aged 50 and older—compared to approximately 38% statewide—it is essential that we remain dedicated to initiatives that support older adults in our community," states Plymouth Town Manager Derek Brindisi. "We appreciate the ongoing commitment of the Healey-Driscoll administration to fostering age-friendly policies that enhance the quality of life for Plymouth’s seniors."
The purpose of this plan is to align the partners around a shared vision and provide a framework for our efforts over the next five years (2025-2030). A full digital version of the plan was also launched today and can be accessed here.
Earlier this year, Massachusetts was named the top destination for older adults moving to a new state specifically for retirement in 2024.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has prioritized investments to make life more affordable for and improve the health and wellbeing of
has older residents, including:
Governor Healey signed the state’s first tax cuts in 20 years, which included doubling the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit. Under this expansion, seniors were eligible to receive up to $2,730 this year. The tax cuts package also created the most generous Child and Family Tax Credit in the country, which provides families with $440 per dependent, including those who are 65 and older.
Governor Healey signed legislation that she had proposed to rename the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to the Executive Office of Aging & Independence to better represent and reflect the values of older adults in Massachusetts.
Governor Healey increased from $1,500 to $2,000 the maximum property tax abatement available to seniors who perform volunteer services.
Each year since Governor Healey took office, she and the Legislature have increased funding to Councils on Aging.
Governor Healey expanded Medicare Saving Program eligibility to allow more older residents to take advantage of benefits and save money on health care costs. The new guidelines allow for more Massachusetts residents to enroll in the program and save up to $3,000 per year.
Earlier this year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $5.8M in grants to expand mobility for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals. Many grant recipients were Councils on Aging and/or Aging Services Access Points.
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