SCES CEO Marta Corvelo, Rep. Thomas Stanley, Sen. Patricia Jehlen, Mass Home Care Executive Director Betsey Crimmins.

Last week, local nonprofit Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) welcomed more than 50 local legislators, city councilors, and nonprofit and healthcare leaders to its first annual Legislative Breakfast.

The event explored some of the pressing issues that older adults in the Commonwealth face, with an eye toward collaborative and policy-driven solutions. Featured speakers included Senator Patricia Jehlen and Representative Thomas Stanley, co-chairs of the Joint Committee on Elder Affairs, Mass Home Care Executive Director Betsey Crimmins and SCES clients and staff members.

In her opening remarks, SCES CEO Marta Corvelo noted that, “Each of us is aging, and Massachusetts has a rapidly growing older adult population. Soon, households in their 80s will be the fastest-growing age group. It is critical to ensure that older adults have access to the resources they need to live with dignity and security in the setting of their choice.”

Patricia Jehlen speaking at SCES’ Legislative Breakfast.

To achieve that goal, SCES is working closely with fellow nonprofits and health care entities to establish strong partnerships and advocate for increased funding for services that benefit older adults and improve health outcomes and quality of life. Eighty percent of what affects health outcomes happens outside of the healthcare setting. There are many social factors that can impact one’s health, such as access to affordable housing and nutritious food.

“While screening, access to treatment, chronic disease management, and early detection are essential to improving one’s quality of life, we must address the structural barriers that influence healthy aging and healthy living,” Corvelo said.

Some solutions that would benefit older adults include the expansion of hospital-to-home services, accessible mental and behavioral health services, and investment in affordable housing.

To continue this important discussion, SCES is planning to host a forum in October, which will bring together thought leaders in the field of aging as we work toward a more equitable future. More details will be available soon. If you would like to receive emails about the forum, please contact Rachel.Moore@eldercare.org.

Rep. Thomas Stanley speaking at SCES’ Legislative Breakfast.

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services is a nonprofit agency that supports the independence and well-being of older adults in Somerville and Cambridge. For free advice and guidance on questions of aging, caregiving, or disability, contact our Community Support Center at 617-628-2601, email info@eldercare.org, or visit our website eldercare.org.