In This Issue: 

Thank you to Rachel Fichtenbaum, Manager of Grant Programs and Mobility Management at Mass Department of Transportation (MassDOT), for a very informative and thought-provoking presentation. Community transportation varies greatly with one's location, and it is not surprising that rural areas face challenges not experienced in urban environments. Strategies to combat the barriers include a person-centered approach where each individual’s needs can be met through education and assistance; subsidies that help people in financial need; and towns providing their own services and not relying on public transportation. Examples of tools used to resolve transportation issues include Ride Match, an online statewide database searchable by town to find transportation options, and the MassMobility website. Rachel also said a study was underway to find transportation solutions that will benefit all older adults.

• Our next meeting on Wednesday, April 19 will be hybrid, and we strongly encourage you to join us in person! Directions to MIT's Sloan School can be found on the homepage of our website. We will meet on the 5th floor in Room 550.
• The EXPERT program is planning workshops with a senior focus. If you are interested in speaking or learning about it, please contact Christina Mitchell at cmitchell@roxburytenants.org.
• A Caregivers' Conference will be held by Swampscott for All Ages on May 6th from 10 AM – 3 PM. It will be an opportunity to explore resources and services for older adults. For more information, email mpaboston@yahoo.com.
• Boston Bridge has launched its 2023 Mentor Madness. Anyone interested in working with an established professional who will assist with beginning, advancing, or changing a career in the field of aging is welcome to apply. Go to the Boston Bridge website and follow the instructions to receive the mentor of your choice.

• Protective Services Director, Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services
• Community Partners Clinical Manager, Mystic Valley Elder Services
• Geriatric Support Services Coordinator, Mystic Valley Elder Services
• Training Program Coordinator, CADER at BU’s School of Social Work
• (remote) Director – FieldScout Network, Genworth
• Assistant Director – COA, City of Beverly
• Multiple positions, HebrewSenior Life

• Why is it that 82% of older adults claim to have experienced at least one form of ageism in their lives? And when do ageist attitudes begin? Studies that ask children to depict an older person reveal their highly stereotyped pictures. A discussion of the toxic nature of ageism for older adults is presented in Psychology Today, and ways to provide positive messages about aging at an early age are provided.  
• Recent research on brain development, based on age from birth until 100 years, suggests that cognitive functioning often depends on how different parts of the brain communicate with each other. Concerning older adults, the research concludes that while degenerative function does increase with age, the accumulated life experiences and wisdom of aging deserves greater respect.

• Correction from last month's Scoop: we incorrectly linked Massachusetts' Master Plan on Aging. Please find the correct link here, along with three years of progress reports.
• After climbing the career ladder, many women executives are leaving their senior-level positions. Is it due to burn out, that the fight to the top involves too much juggling of roles, or are they leaving on their own terms to begin again in a new way? Will diversity and inclusion suffer after years of effort? Will young women lose role models? And would this even matter if there were more women at the top and losing some would not be as great a loss? Read about this compelling issue here.
• A study conducted by Catalyst, a global not-for-profit organization supported by many female CEOs, found that hostility and discrimination in the workplace still exist towards marginalized racial and ethnic groups. The study provides recommendations to change negative behaviors and indicates that CEOs must do more to address DEI issues.
• In a survey of 156 countries, researchers found that countries with gender equality show an increase in longevity for both sexes – women lived 4 months longer and men 3.5 months. The findings, published in the journal PLOS – Global Public Health, indicate that education is the single most important achievement for women’s empowerment that will result in better longevity outcomes.

• In 2022, Americans lost $8.8 billion in scams and frauds - up 30% from 2021. The average loss per person was $650, but the average loss among those over 80 years old was $1,674. Read the most frequently used scams in this AARP report.

• Can Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) assist in understanding the molecular reasons for the aging process so that therapeutics can be developed that will address impediments to healthy aging and longevity? Apparently BioAge, a clinical stage biotech company, believes it can! Read how the biotech industry is advancing the field of aging to develop cures for diseases associated with aging.