DEVELOPING TOOLS TO SUPPORT AGE-FRIENDLY INITIATIVES IN MA, RI, & NH: HEALTHYAGINGDATAREPORTS.ORG

This symposium highlights how research and advocacy can inform and support policy development and service delivery. Healthy Aging Data Reports have been developed in three New England states (Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire). The background, data sources, statistical methods, and findings are reviewed in Dugan’s opening presentation. In addition to 120+ indicators calculated at the local community level, measures of population health have been analyzed to understand the factors contributing to community healthy aging. The AF efforts and progress of Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts are presented next. Dr. Raimondo and Maureen Maigret describe Age-Friendly Rhode Island efforts, including developing a strategic plan, convening high-level policy meetings, creating a website, and successfully advocating for resources. Laura Davie and Kelly LaFlamme describe the New Hampshire Alliance for Healthy Aging (AHA) efforts. AHA has developed a strategic plan, engaged stakeholders to prioritize activities, and utilized a collective impact approach. In Massachusetts, policy leaders, philanthropy, academics, service providers, and private sector leaders have stressed the urgency of age-friendly work and have formed the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative. The Governor established a Council to Address Aging Issues in Massachusetts to provide guidance to the state. Council Member, Dr. Alice Bonner, Secretary of Elder Affairs describes age-friendly and dementia-friendly advances and plans. Discussant Phillip Gonzalez outline the philanthropic motivations in age-friendly community investments. Best practices, lessons learned, and mistakes to avoid will be discussed to equip those in other states seeking to create age-friendly social change.