Earlier today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration in Massachusetts announced a new podcast series, ReiMAgine Aging. The series are committed to exploring and championing the state's efforts in becoming a national leader in age- and dementia-friendly living. ReiMAgine Aging features discussions and experiences concerning elderly residents, their caregivers, and organizations leading efforts to establish inclusive societies.
Since Massachusetts' initiation into the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in 2018, the state has demonstrated a strong commitment to forging a hospitable environment for all age groups. With the release of the Age-Friendly Massachusetts Action Plan, the state has set specific goals for the advancement in the age- and dementia-friendly movement. Consequently, more than 200 communities in Massachusetts have begun modifying their local policies, programs, services, and physical infrastructures to accommodate the specific needs of older residents and individuals living with dementia.
"To encourage its audience to make their own communities age- and dementia-friendly,” is always been the show's primary goal, according to Governor Maura Healey. The series focuses on more recent infrastructures, innovative solutions in transportation and housing, expanding opportunities in caregiving, and a stronger emphasis on digital access. With these elements in focus, ReiMAgine Aging provides its audience an opportunity to engage in an audio experience reflective of the day-to-day realities faced by older individuals and their support networks.
The Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA) plays a crucial role in managing age- and dementia-friendly initiatives across the state. EOEA, striving towards its vision of empowering the 1.7 million older adults and caregivers in Massachusetts, has collaborated with the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative (MHAC) to develop ReiMAgine Aging, funded by the Point32Health Foundation.
The podcast will deliver six thoughtfully designed episodes, each of which will focus on a unique aspect of the age- and dementia-friendly movement:
- Aging with Purpose and Meaning
- Buildings that Bring People Together
- Enhancing Digital Equity for All
- Moving Forward
- Savoring Food that Matters
- Shaping Compassionate Communities
As noted by Secretary of Elder Affairs Elizabeth Chen, the movement's principles of “equity, access, and justice” are clear in the podcast's decision to spotlight the perspectives and voices of older adults, caregivers, community leaders, and non-profit organizations engaged in transforming aging into an asset for all.
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative Executive Director, James Fuccione, mentioned that the podcast serves to “bring to life the community-led vision and actions of the age- and dementia-friendly movement in Massachusetts.” His comments echo the overarching goal of ReiMAgine Aging, aiming to not merely highlight individual narratives but inspire transformation and inclusivity in communities, regardless of their size.
ReiMAgine Aging can be streamed on platforms such as Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Massachusetts residents interested in making their communities more age- and dementia-friendly can access references and guidelines at mass.gov/reimagineaging.
In highlighting narratives of perseverance and progress in communities, ReiMAgine Aging emerges as a unique platform giving importance to grassroots campaigns. The podcast persuades its listeners to actively redefine what aging means and to collaborate in building warm and inclusive environments for everyone, across generations.
