Making Boston Age Friendly: The Age-Friendly Boston project works with the City’s public agencies, businesses, cultural, educational, and religious institutions, and community groups

What is the Age Friendly Action Plan?
What does it mean to be an age-friendly city? It means a city that adapts its structures and services to be accessible and inclusive to residents of all ages and abilities. The Age-Friendly Boston Action Plan is our City’s blueprint to make Boston the best city to live and age in. The plan details 75 concrete action items the City will take to become even more age friendly.
Intersecting Initiatives
The Age-Friendly Action Plan is part of comprehensive planning efforts on the part of the City and will be integrated into the other processes. These plans are re-enforcing and reflecting each other where there is synergy.
Our Philosophy and Process
The age-friendly process has been a grassroots effort and a bottom-up approach. Our action items came directly out of the diverse voices from Boston’s neighborhoods, ages 50 and over. Since this is a three-year Action Plan, we have included action items that we are confident can be completed within this time with interdepartmental support and community partners. We will continue to refine and build on other ideas generated through this process.
ContactsEmily Shea, Commissioner on Elder Affairs
One Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 20108
617-635-4366
Clear Filters
I like helping senior and make them happy
I live in an age friendly community. My apartment is handi-accessible. Ramped curbs at every intersection. In past years while on the resident council we always discussed, planned events, and never failed to consider our elderly neighbors.
This is my home town
Because there is a lot of people brought up in the community that's the same age as me.
Every one is so fine and respectful
Community engagement, transportation, education, free meals
I believe my community is somewhat age friendly because there is a park available for all ages to relax, get some air, or enjoy time going down the slides with a niece, nephew, granddaughter, sibling, etc. In the summer we have a yearly festival with food, bouncy houses, raffles, and more to celebrate our community and such. We have access to close markets, corner stores, and even public transportation that's less than 5 minutes away.
This área is very Normal I don't See much problem around like before
Respectful, friendly, care. Etc…
I've lived in Dorchester for 30 years+. It is a vibrant, diverse, and ever-changing neighborhood yet has a real communal feel.
Senior Living Communities
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Taxes
C
How did Massachusetts earn the grade of C? We examined the state taxes based on how age friendly they are. Massachusetts has a state sales tax of 6.25%. Of particular interest is that Massachusetts does not have taxes on social security. There are estate taxes. There are no taxes imposed on inheritance. Massachusetts has an effective property tax rate of 1.21%. Weighing these taxes and other taxes most likely to impact the aging population is how Massachusetts earned its state tax grade of C.
Learn more about taxes in Massachusetts