Healthy Aging

Issue

The MetroWest area is on the verge of unprecedented growth in its older adult population.  The number of MetroWest residents 65 and older is projected to grow by 75% in the next twenty years.  And, the 75 and older population is projected to grow by 44% over the same time period.  This rapid growth will result in new demands for health and wellness services, and test the ability of our existing elder care system to adequately respond to those in need.

Strategy

To help plan for these changes and better understand how the region can meet the dynamic health needs of its elder population, the Foundation formed the 15-member MetroWest Commission on Healthy Aging.  The Commission met over the last year to define what healthy aging should look like in the MetroWest area by 2020 and identify the steps needed to achieve this vision.  The Foundation's Board of Trustees has committed $1 million over the next three years to catalyze the recommendations from the Commission's Final Report & Recommendations.

Our recent grant guidelines have focused on four objectives: 1) Increase the number of MetroWest older adults who participate in evidence-based prevention and/or self-management programs that focus on chronic disease and wellness; 2) Decrease the number of MetroWest older adults who are hospitalized each year for injuries due to falls; 3) Foster the development of local community programs and initiatives that enable residents to remain healthy in their own homes and decrease the social isolation among older adults; and 4) Improve access to information, services and supports for older adults and caregivers in the MetroWest Region.

Publications & Resources