Executive Summary
The Human Services Committee held a hearing on Docket #0287 to review senior programming and services across the City of Boston. Led by Chair Erin Murphy and co-sponsored by Councilor Edward Flynn, the hearing featured testimony from the Age Strong Commission and Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF). Discussions focused on the 48% increase in Boston's senior population over the last 15 years, the expansion of programming into five new neighborhood sites, and the distribution of nearly $1 million in social engagement grants. Key concerns raised by Councilors included elder scams, transportation barriers, housing stability for aging residents, and the need for equitable service distribution in communities of color.
Meeting Information
- Governing Body: City Council Committee on Human Services
- Meeting Type: Committee Hearing
- Docket Number: #0287, Order for hearing regarding senior programming and services across Boston
- Date: February 26, 2026
- Time: 10:07 AM
- Chair: Councilor Erin Murphy
- Attendees:
- Councilor Erin Murphy
- Councilor Edward Flynn
- Councilor John Fitzgerald
- Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune
- Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata
- Panelists:
- Emily Shea, Commissioner, Age Strong Commission
- Corrine Corrito, Deputy Commissioner, Age Strong Commission
- Ed McGuire, Director of Operations, BCYF
Age Strong Commission Report
Commissioner Emily Shea provided an overview of the demographic shifts and service expansions within the Age Strong Commission:
- Demographics: Boston's population over age 60 grew from 88,000 in 2010 to over 130,000 today, a 48% increase.
- Budgetary Impact: The FY26 budget included an additional $200,000 investment from the City Council, which was used to activate five new programming spaces:
- Dewitt Center (Roxbury)
- Spontaneous Celebrations (Jamaica Plain)
- Holland Community Center (Dorchester)
- Common Square Library (Dorchester)
- Union Church (South End)
- Funding: The commission received $325,000 in state earmarks and distributed 95 grants totaling just under $1 million for social engagement programming in FY2026.
- Programming Reach: Provided over 6,000 hours of programming at Age Strong-operated sites in the past year.
- Future Initiatives: Plans to launch an interactive virtual calendar and a transportation access plan to improve reach to programming sites.
Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF) Report
Director Ed McGuire reported on the increased engagement of older adults at BCYF facilities during 2025:
- Participation Statistics:
- Individual Seniors Served: 7,556 (13% increase over 2024).
- Total Visits: 175,896 (23% increase over 2024).
- Total Programs: 339 older adult programs offered across 30 centers.
- Demographics of Participants: 61% female, 35% male; 45% White, 11% Black/African-American, 8% Latino, 8% Asian.
- Programming Types: Activities include physical wellness (pickleball, tai chi, aerobics), creative arts (ceramics, floral arrangement), and social events (Friendship Clubs, 'Domino Smackdown').
- Infrastructure: BCYF is investing in staff training for dementia awareness and senior fitness credentials.
Councilor Inquiries and Discussion
Councilors raised several priority issues regarding the welfare of Boston's senior population:
- Elder Scams: Councilor Edward Flynn and Chair Erin Murphy discussed the rising threat of financial scams targeting seniors. Commissioner Shea noted that a specific hearing on elder scams is scheduled for March 9, 2026, in collaboration with the Boston Police Department.
- Housing and Aging in Place: Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata inquired about policy strategies for seniors living in independent homes. Commissioner Shea highlighted a pilot program with the Mayor’s Office of Housing focused on educational workshops for aging in your home.
- Equity and Outreach: Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune emphasized the need to address disparate needs in communities of color. Commissioner Shea noted that new programming at the Holland Community Center is being delivered in English and Cape Verdean Creole to improve accessibility.
- Snow Removal: Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata raised the issue of the burden of snow shoveling for seniors. Commissioner Shea acknowledged the difficulty in maintaining volunteer-based shoveling programs due to high demand and limited capacity.
Facility and Infrastructure Updates
The committee discussed specific facility needs impacting senior access to wellness activities:
- Perkins Pool (Lee School): Chair Erin Murphy inquired about the status of the Perkins Pool. Ed McGuire (BCYF) confirmed the pool is currently offline due to a significant leak into the basement. BPS is prioritizing the repair, but the system cannot be calibrated until the leak is remediated.
- Library Partnerships: Chair Murphy noted the success of the 'Age Strong Librarian' position at the West Roxbury Library. Commissioner Shea confirmed that all Boston libraries were certified as 'Age and Dementia Friendly' following staff training last year.
Public Comment and Adjournment
- Public Testimony: The Chair noted that written comments could be sent to
ccc.hs@boston.gov. - Adjournment: The hearing on Docket #0287 was adjourned following closing statements from Councilor Edward Flynn and Chair Erin Murphy.