Boston Seniority CELEBRATING OLDER AMERICANS - MONTH p. 14-21 - Boston.gov
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Boston Seniority City of Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh CELEBRATING OLDER AMERICANS MONTH p. 14-21 May 2019 Issue 5 Vol. 43 Free Publication Mayor's Letter Mental Health Upcoming Events p. 4 p. 6 p. 12 SENIORITY | May 2019 1
On the Cover: Boston CONTENTS Our cover stars Irene, 103, and Kay, 100, became fast friends at our colorful photoshoot for Older Seniority Americans Month at Happy Place in Boston. Happy Published by the City of 4 14-21 Place is a temporary Boston's Age Strong MAYOR'S LETTER BETTER WITH AGE! pop-up experience Commission Age Strong at every decade. running until June 5 Martin J. Walsh READER 2nd, filled with larger than life installations Mayor SUBMISSION 22 COMMISSION INFO and multi-sensory, Emily K. Shea Poetry about the Boston Common immersive rooms in Commissioner How the City can help you. the Back Bay. For 6 more information, Cassandra Baptista MENTAL HEALTH 24 visit www. Director of Communications INFOGRAPHIC THE BUZZ happyplace.me or Editor and Photographer Tips to maintain positive Find out what this month's buzz call 1-888-718-4253 mental health. is all about. opt. 1. Martha Rios Editor and Photographer 8 26 Andrew Higginbottom LANGUAGE ACCESS SEEN AROUND Staff Assistant How it strengthens our city. TOWN Writer and Photographer See if we saw you! A photo series from social outings around City Hall Plaza-Room 271 10 the city. Boston, MA 02201 CITY NEWS Printed by Flagship Press, Inc. New funding for affordable housing. Boston Seniority is supported in part by The Executive Office 12 of Elder Affairs. EVENTS & ACTIVITIES Although all material accepted is Here are some ways to fill your expected to conform to professional calendar this month. standards, acceptance does not imply endorsement by the City of Boston. Stay Connected Facebook: @AgeStrongBos Do you have a story to share? Main number: (617) 635-4366 We want to hear from you! with the Age Strong Email us at Commission: Website: www.boston.gov/age-strong Twitter: @AgeStrongBos Bostonseniority@boston.gov 2 SENIORITY | May 2019 S E N I O R I T Y | M a y 2 30 1Seniority 9 3
Reader Poetry Submission From the Mayor's Desk Celebrating Older Bostonians Every Day May is National Older Americans Month. This year’s theme, “Connect, Create, Contribute,” emphasizes the importance of connection, Boston's creativity and contribution in the daily lives of older Americans. (See pages 14-21 for ways you can connect, create, and contribute in the City of Boston). Common Submitted by: Mike A. Coppola, 83, Roslindale In Boston, older adults are one of our fastest growing populations. The American Community Survey estimates that in 2017, there In the spring the Common's green, were 105,000 people over the age of 60 living in the City of Boston, People come to view the scene. compared to 88,000 in 2010. While much of the growth is aging baby They also come to have some fun, boomers, more than 10,000 of our residents are over the age of 85. Play baseball, tennis or just run. They come to watch a fountain shower, This is a very exciting time for the City of Boston. We are growing To lie in the sun for just an hour. and expanding in many ways. Our economy is thriving and technology is advancing. These factors present us with limitless opportunities There are those that come to articulate, for our future. Above all, we share a responsibility to ensure these At every bench there's a great debate. opportunities reach everyone in our city, across all ages and abilities. It's the city's orators rallying spot, To argue their arguments or share a thought. You’ve heard me say it before: Older Bostonians built our city. We The Common's a place that's here for all, want you, our older residents, to continue to live and thrive here To think deep thoughts or have a ball. because you make our communities stronger. That’s why we celebrate you, not just in May, but every day. It's Boston's hub 'round which she turns, Where Liberty's torch was lit and still burns. Sincerely, -Mayor Martin J. Walsh 4 SENIORITY | May 2019 SENIORITY | May 2019 5
Infographic Did you know? Maintaining Positive Mental Health May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention / Boston Public Health Commission It is estimated that one in five people Tips to Maintain Positive Mental Health age 55 years or older experience some type of mental health condition, the most How do you common being anxiety, severe cognitive impairment, and mood disorders, Tip 1 Tip 4 get help? according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Connect Help others with others Many people with Many factors can contribute to mental mental health problems health problems, including genes, brain can get better. There chemistry, family history, personal is help available. The relationships, violence, abuse, substance Boston Public Health use, finances, living situations and Commission is involved overall health. If you or someone you in a variety of efforts know is living with mental health Tip 2 Tip 5 to remove the stigma problems, you may notice some changes. associated with mental health and to provide Here are some warning signs Be physically Get enough services and resources to when mental health is affecting active sleep improve the social and someone’s life: emotional wellness of ● Pulling away from people everyone in Boston. ● Stopping usual activities ● Diet or sleeping changes To read more about the services available to ● Severe mood swings ● The inability to perform daily tasks Tip 3 Tip 6 individuals and families in Boston, contact: Mental health includes our emotional, Get professional Develop psychological and social well-being. It Boston Public Health help if needed coping skills Commission affects how we think, feel and act and can determine how we make choices, 617-534-5395 relate to others and even how we handle Bphc.org stress. See our infographic for tips. 6 SENIORITY | May 2019 SENIORITY | May 2019 7
City Initiatives How can the Office of Language and Communications Access help you? Provided by the City's Language and Communications Access Program In 2016, Mayor Martin J. Walsh signed to provide interpretation and translation a city ordinance called “Establishing requests in any language. These Language and Communications Access services are provided at no charge to the for City Services.” We are excited to share constituent. with you the progress that has been made in this monthly blog series. We hope you The ordinance also helped create the will support us in making Boston a more Office of Language and Communications accessible place to live, work, and play. Access (LCA). Our office works to build the capacity of all 48+ City departments In February 2016, Mayor Walsh signed around language and communications City Ordinance 2016 Chapter 13 which access. Our four main areas of We partner with community groups in anyway we can. Whether you are a established language and communications responsibility are: and organizations so more people can community member, organization, or city access in the City of Boston. This learn about these services. We created employee, we look forward to working ordinance strengthens the Mayor’s vision We provide support. We help City a feedback form and a website to open together to make our city a welcoming to make Boston a more inclusive and departments make their services and direct lines of communications with place for all. equitable city. It ensures that people information more accessible to all. We constituents. The Office of Language and who use languages other than English provide regular training on guidelines (LOTE) and people with disabilities have and best practices. We act as the point We organize resources. We compile Communication Access works to resources that we think will be valuable strengthen the City of Boston so that meaningful access to City information and of contact for any and all inquiries about to both city staff and constituents. We services, programs and activities services. language and communications access. maintain and lend out assistive technology are meaningfully accessible to all equipment like assistive listening constituents. To learn more, visit the The ordinance is an advancement of an We collect data. We collect data devices and interpretation equipment. Language and Communications Access executive order from 2008. This order about people’s experiences regarding We recruit for the Volunteer Language website at boston.gov/LCA. created the baseline practice of providing greater accessibility in the City. We interpretation services for residents measure the City’s capacity in providing Pool that draws on the skills of generous appearing before boards or commissions. these specific accommodations. We use multilingual volunteers. We create reports The Office of Language and Mayor Walsh’s ordinance extends this information to improve our practice like the Demographic Data report that Communication Access works to this practice to include interpretation, and help the City create more meaningful capture the diversity of the City. strengthen the City of Boston so that translation, and assistive technology services. services, programs and activities are support for all City services and So how can we help you? We are happy meaningfully accessible to Bostonians. programs. Furthermore, the City strives We partner with communities. to answer your questions and assist 8 SENIORITY | May 2019 SENIORITY | May 2019 9
with some set aside for formerly homeless 3 Senior Housing City of Boston News households, seniors, and artists. Investments Included To ensure that all units receiving City funding will remain affordable, they will all be deed restricted permanently or for 50 years. In all cases, the projects have East Boston been carefully underwritten to leverage alternative sources to minimize City Grace Apartments funding. Developer: East Boston Community Development Corporation For the homeownership opportunities, first-time homebuyers earning between The developer will create 42 units 70-100 percent of AMI will receive down of low-income elderly housing, payment assistance, the opportunity to including five units of housing for take a home buying class, and financial the homeless in Maverick Square. and real estate counseling. Mayor Walsh Announces More Than $26 million “DND is excited that we were able to fund projects with such deep affordability, North End in New Funding for Affordable Housing in Boston ranging from 50 percent of the Area Median Income to homeless individuals Knights Senior Housing Building on his commitment to create for working families in our City. This and the elderly,” said Chief of Housing Developer: East Boston Community and preserve affordable housing announcement is a great example of how Sheila Dillon.” Development Corporation in Boston, Mayor Martin J. Walsh we’re building strong partnerships in announced more than $26 million in the housing community to create more Funds to create and preserve these East Boston CDC will create 23 new and recommended funding from affordable housing options across all of units will be awarded from three affordable apartments for seniors, the Department of Neighborhood our neighborhoods.” sources: the first, of approximately $4.4 including three units of housing Development, the Neighborhood million, consists of funds administered for homeless seniors, and a Housing Trust, and the Community The new funding will create 459 new by the Department of Neighborhood neighborhood meeting space, in the Preservation Fund, to create and preserve units and preserve 56 units of housing. Development. The second source, of Knights of Columbus headquarters. 515 units of housing in Brighton, East As a result of requesting proposals with approximately $3.6 million, utilizes Boston, Dorchester, Mattapan, Mission a focus on creating affordable units, 290 funds from the Neighborhood Housing Hill, North End, and Roxbury. The units that will be created or preserved Trust (NHT), which are collected through Roxbury new funding will also contribute to will be restricted to households with low, the City’s Linkage policy, extracting affordable housing programming like the moderate, and middle income. affordable housing funds from developers Bartlett Station Lot D Acquisition Opportunity Program and the of large commercial projects. Developer: Preservation of Boston Home Center. The majority of these units will be Affordable Housing (POAH) accessible to households with incomes up The third source is from the Community “As Boston continues to grow, we want to 60 percent of the Area Median Income Preservation Fund, of approximately $18 The developer proposes to create 52 to make sure everyone has a place to (AMI), which amounts to $65,000 or less million, which are collected through the units of housing, including 42 units call home, no matter their income,” for a family of four. CPA’s one percent property tax surcharge restricted to Bostonians over the age said Mayor Walsh. “It’s important now adopted by Boston voters in 2016 to of 55 who earn at or below 80% of more than ever that we use every tool The new units are a combination of invest in affordable housing, historic AMI, or $69,000 for a two person in our toolbox to build more housing homeownership and rental opportunities preservation, and open space. household. 10 SENIORITY | May 2019 S E N I O R I T Y | M a y 2 0 1 9 11
Events + Activities Memorial Day Flag Garden May Happenings: For Memorial Day weekend on the Boston Common, volunteers plant over 37,000 flags at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. Each flag represents every Ways to Fill Your Calendar brave MA service member since the Revolutionary War who gave his or her life defending our country. * Please note not all events are free and are subject to change This Month ... Community Reading Event Color Me Calm Yoga for Seniors with Mimi Jones Time: All Day Time: 2:45 pm – 3:30 pm Mayor Martin J. Walsh's 14 Time: 6:00 pm – 8:30 pm 17 Location: BPL - Codman Square 21 Location: BPL - West End Branch, 151 Cambridge St. Neighborhood Coffee Hours Location: First Church in Branch, 690 Washington St. 9:30 am - 10:30 am Roxbury, 10 Putnam St., Contact Info: aeneh@bpl.org Contact Info: 617-523-3957 John Eliot Square Tuesday, May 14 Contact Info: 617-318-6010 Fenway, Symphony Park Franklin Park Bird Walk Walking Tour Of Sumner Hill Free Gentle Yoga Monday, May 20 Time: 7:00 am - 8:30 am Time: 11:00 am -12:00 pm Time: 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Mattapan, Walker Playground 15 Location: Franklin Park - 18 Location: Loring-Greenough 23 Location: BPL - Mattapan Branch, 1350 Blue Hill Ave Wednesday, May 22 Meet at the Shattuck picnic area House, 12 South St., Jamaica and Franklin Park tennis courts Plain Contact Info: Contact Info: 617-298-9218 South Boston, Joseph Moakley Park by the Shattuck Hospital Info@JPHS.org Contact Info: 617-442-4141 Thursday, May 23 (9:15 am) *Bring binoculars Back Bay / Beacon Hill, Commonweatlh Ave Mall Adult Sewing Classes Senior Social Club - Beginning Internet Class Time: 10:30 am -1:00 pm Part of Never Too Late Group Time: 11:00 am- 12:00 pm Tuesday, May 28 16 Location: BPL - Honan-Allston 20 Time: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm 29 Location: BPL - Brighton Roxbury, Marcella Park Branch, 300 North Harvard Location: BPL - East Boston Branch, 40 Academy Hill Rd St. Contact Info: Registration Branch, 365 Bremen St. Contact Info: Call for an *Dates and times are subject to change Required - Please email Carin Contact Info: 617-569-0271 appointment and ask for Alan at coconnor@bpl.org at 617-782-6032. Consult social media for weather 617-787-6313 cancellations: Facebook: @bostonparksdepartment Twitter: @bostonparksdept 617-635-4505 ww.boston.gov/parks 12 SENIORITY | May 2019 SENIORITY | May 2019 13
BETTER WITH Kay Wilson, AGE! 100, from Dorchester! It is not every day you get to spend a morning with two centenarians, running around a pop-up exhibit intended for teenagers taking selfies. It is a beautiful and important reminder that aging can mean many things. Aging can be freeing. Freedom from judgment and our own expectations. It can liberate us from the things that held us back when we were younger. Aging can be playful. It can allow us to appreciate silly, joyful moments, Irene Murray, and find humor in unlikely places. 103, from Aging can be fulfilling. It can reveal Charlestown! opportunities and open new paths of understanding about ourselves and the world around us. Like with most things, aging can be what you make it. -Your Editors 14 SENIORITY | May 2019 SENIORITY | May 2019 15
Snapshot of Ways to Engage During Age Strong Older Americans Month Programming & Throughout the Year Create Aging Mastery The Aging Mastery Program® by engaging in core curriculum combines activities that promote evidence-informed knowledge learning, health, and sharing with goal-setting and personal enrichment. feedback routines, daily practices, peer support, and small rewards. Yoga-lates on the Greenway Yoga-lates fitness class series Connect Contribute offers an age-friendly fusion of yoga and pilates. with friends, family, time, talent, and life Memory Cafés and services that experience to A Memory Café is a place where support participation. benefit others. individuals with memory loss and their caregivers can get together in a safe, supportive and engaging environment. Say Your Age with Karen Young We explore the challenges and triumphs of growing older through drumming and facilitated dialogue. There are so many ways to Connect by attending one of our create and engage with the Boston needs your strong skills Tai Chi We can connect community eventsyou to specifically This free evidence-based Age Strong Commission in the and experience. Contribute by programs and coordinated outings for older that Bostonians workshop focuses on preventing City of Boston. Some of our volunteering. We can connect enrich that yourthroughout are held life in Boston. the falls and improving balance. new programs include Tai Chi, you to a variety of volunteer For the most up-to-date city. Our biggest events include which helps improve balance, opportunities based on your programming our annual Mayor’sdetails, call50th Walk, us What Unites Us and What Unites Us, which interests, location, and preferred at: 617-635-4366. Anniversary Celebration, and A program to celebrate Boston’s offers cultural cooking classes time commitment. immigrants by learning how to Senior First Night. You can that celebrate Boston's diversity. prepare cuisine from all over the also connect with caregivers and For more details about our Interested in learning more? volunteer opportunities, contact world and promote healthy living. those with dementia through our View our side bar for a quick Age Strong at 617-635-4366. Memory Cafés. You can learn For more ways to engage and the how to age strong and participate snapshot of some of our programming. most up-to-date programming, in our Aging Mastery classes. call us at: 617-635-4366. 16 SENIORITY | May 2019 S E N I O R I T Y | M a y 2 0 1 9 17
A ge S trong at every decade in B oston 50's 60's 70's 80's 90's 100's Brian Higginbottom, 58 Mangla Fash, 62 Rachel Tate, 75 Juan Viteri, 83 Edith Deas, 90 Irene, 103, and Kay, 100 “When I was in my 30s and "Wake up and enjoy your "Enjoy life. Live life to the “I cook my own food. I “I’m always learning about “Love is the best thing 40s, I took life much more life every second. Be happy fullest. Exercise, be very still exercise, avoid eating different organizations you can give to anyone. seriously. I put so much cheerful and kind to each active, be involved, and grease, and no drugs, alcohol and events that keep me Learn from yesterday, live focus in work and forgot other. Say hello and make learn about what's going on. or cigarettes. I go to the club active. It’s so important to for today, and hope for about relaxing. Now, as I’m friends. Happiness makes a I help bring other people and dance to all types of get involved in the church tomorrow.” - Irene in my 50s, I realize how healthy life. The more kind information." music. Just have fun. I still and surround yourself with important my time is and you are to others the happier dance pretty well.” positive people. It helps you “If someone suggests that I should spend it how you'll be. Exercise is very stay young.” something to you, before I want to spend it. Now, I important and diet." you take any action, confer spend much more time with with someone and listen. It is my family and friends.... so important to listen.”- Kay It’s okay to take time off and chill.” 18 SENIORITY | May 2019 SENIORITY | May 2019 19
“Just because you’re old doesn’t “I give my problems to God mean you can’t be active.” and ask him to help me.” What is the most "I can’t just wear one bracelet. amazing thing you I have to wear them all. have experienced “You want to be happy? Then be happy. I in your life? tell people, ‘If you’re gonna be a grouch, That I'm still here at 100 years old! don’t sit on my couch!”- Irene 20 SENIORITY | May 2019 SENIORITY | May 2019 21
In Boston, we Age Strong. As part of the Health and Human Services cabinet, our mission at the Age Strong Commission is to enhance your life with meaningful programs, resources, and connections so together we can live and age strong in Boston. We can help with: Call us for more details at 617-635-4366. Information + Referral: Volunteer Opportunities: Our helpful Advocacy Representatives can connect you Boston needs your strong skills and experience. We to resources, benefits, and information, including health can connect you to a variety of volunteer opportunities insurance counseling, applications for SNAP (food), based on your interests, location, and preferred time referrals to protective services, and more. commitment. Events + Engagement: Housing: Staying active and engaged in your community is an Our housing team has the expertise and compassion important part of aging strong in the City. to solve problems with you, including housing search, landlord/tenant advocacy, applications for fuel assistance, and much more. Transportation: Caregiver Support: Being able to travel around Boston is an important part We are here to help with questions, offer support, and of leading an independent life. We offer free, wheelchair- connect caregivers to helpful resources. We provide referrals, accessible shuttles that provide door-to-door service for offer workshops,and host Memory Cafes. non-emergency medical appointments. Call 617-635-3000 to schedule your ride. 22 SENIORITY | May 2019 SENIORITY | May 2019 23
The Buzz Seen on Social Media Find us on Facebook and Twitter: @AgeStrongBos Seniority On social media, we post inspirational quotes for a dose of #WednesdayWisdom. Here are a few! Around the World Boston Seniority magazine was spotted in New Orleans, Louisiana with Cassandra Baptista, our Age Strong Communications Director and one of our Seniority editors. Boston Crate Giveaway! In honor of Older Americans Month, let us know how you connect, create and contribute for a chance to win. The Flashback Emails us at bostonseniority@boston.gov by June 1st with: ● your name ● age Last month's answer: ● neighborhood Guild Row, Roxbury ● phone number *Congratulations to Roxbury resident Etta Moore for contacting us with the Senior Spotlight correct answer. Forty years after her historic Boston marathon victory, Can you guess? 61-year-old Joan Benoit Samuelson returned to the course and finished the 2019 marathon only 30 minutes within her winning time. The talented runner hoped to come within 40 Hint: minutes of her 1979 victory, and she fulfilled those wishes This was taken on November 1905. after completing the race in just over 3 hours. ©Kevin Morris 24 SENIORITY | May 2019 SENIORITY | May 2019 25
Seen Around Town ©Isabel Leon ©Isabel Leon ©Isabel Leon ©Isabel Leon 26 SENIORITY | May 2019 ©Isabel Leon SENIORITY | May 2019 27
@AgeStrongBOS Follow us on Facebook and Twitter 28 SENIORITY | May 2019
You can also read