Aging Well & Healthy Living

What is Healthy Aging Cape Cod (HACC)?

Healthy Aging Cape Cod (HACC) is a collaborative effort among organizations and stakeholders in Barnstable County (Cape Cod) to align existing services to better enable residents to age in place successfully, regardless of income. 

Barnstable County is committed to fostering a livable community and to being a supportive place for people of all ages to live, work, and recreate. Integrating the specific needs of people living with dementia and their care partners into our region’s age-friendly work is part of ensuring opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to lead active, healthy and engaged lives. Using the Age- and Dementia-Friendly model and processes we plan to collectively improve regional resilience and service provision to older adults and their care partners. 

Our report entitled COVID-19 Pandemic Response to Older Adults on Cape Cod: After-Action Report and Recommendations (September 2022) documents the primary unmet needs of transportation, food access, access to testing, vaccination, medical care and prescriptions, the technology divide, and the cascading effects on life and health of social isolation experienced by older adults on Cape Cod. These impacts were felt regardless of financial status. Unmet needs were identified among older adults and disabled persons across the socio-economic continuum.   

Livable communities are inclusive and respectful of every generation. Counties, cities, towns, and villages are stronger when community planning and economic development includes the needs of the very young, the very old, and everyone in-between. As a participant in the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities it is the intent of Barnstable County to: 

• Establish a strategic plan of action that addresses the needs identified by key stakeholders including older adults and their care partners. 

• Track initiatives and evaluate their effectiveness on an ongoing basis. These evaluations will guide decision-making and action planning from an evidence-informed perspective. 

• Continue to utilize community perspectives and data to drive decisions regarding services in the county.   

• Further cultivate cross-sector collaboration and partnerships. 

• Communicate regularly with the public regarding process progress. 

We look forward to helping make Cape Cod a place where people of all ages can live and grow older with dignity. 

For more information, contact Mandi Speakman, Deputy Director at Barnstable County Department of Human Services at 508-470-4936 or [email protected]. 

CAPE COD COUNCILS ON AGING, SENIOR CENTERS, AND CENTERS FOR ACTIVE LIVING

Councils on Aging, Senior Centers and Centers for Active Living are the municipal agencies that provide local outreach, social and health services, advocacy, information and referral for older adults, their families and caregivers.  These community-based agencies serve as advocates, offers services, and provide wellness programs.

Each Town determines its own priorities based on local needs and resources. These centers are a welcoming place for older adults who wish to remain independent in their community.  Check out your local center today!

CAPE COD COUNCILS ON AGING (COA)