Who We Are
Massachusetts Councils on Aging (MCOA) is a nonprofit, membership association of the 350 municipal councils on aging and senior centers. COAs are the first stop on the continuum of care. We support the 1.7 million older adults, 60 and over in Massachusetts, in leading healthy, purposeful lives.
Recent News
Administration Releases Phase 4 Updated Guidelines
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 24, 2021 CONTACT: Brooke Karanovich, Executive Office of Health and Human Services | brooke.karanovich2@mass.gov Administration Releases Phase 4 Updated Guidance to Health Care and Human Services Providers,...
What is a COA?
COAs serve as conduits for accessing a range of municipal services that may seem out-of-reach to older residents. They are the focal point where older adults and their families can access the local and state network of elder services, while providing an integrated array of social, health, recreation, and education programs for older men and women. COAs offer programs, services, and activities that benefit older people, and their families and caregivers.
COAs conduct more than 100 programs from information and referral to benefits, outreach, transportation, and meals and other food programs to health screenings, health insurance counseling, fitness, recreation, computer access, education, and life-long learning, among others.
Each COA determines its own priorities based on unique local circumstances, resources and interests. Regardless of design, a local senior center is often a home away from home for socializing, learning, wellness, “giving back,” or just a reason to get out of the house. For the rapidly growing older population, COAs and senior centers provide a safe place for Massachusetts older adults to remain independent, productive, and in the community for as long as possible.