Marty is committed to making Boston the best city for older adults. He understands that our seniors are the ones who built Boston, and we wouldn’t have strong communities without them. He also recognizes that older adults are important to our future. Older adults represent the fastest-growing sector of Boston’s population, so we have an even greater responsibility to make sure we can meet their needs. That’s why Mayor Walsh is taking on all the issues that matter most to older adults, from housing to getting around to healthcare and more. Under his leadership, Boston will remain a city for all ages.

Marty’s Record

  • Leadership. In Mayor Walsh’s first year in office, Boston joined the World Health Organization’s global network of age-friendly cities and became the first large city to join the Alzheimer’s Workplace Alliance. Under Mayor Walsh’s leadership, all front-facing city staff and emergency personnel are being trained to recognize signs and behaviors of Alzheimer’s Disease.
  • The Age-Friendly Boston Report. The Mayor’s Commission on Elderly Affairs worked with partners AARP of Massachusetts, UMass Boston, and the Tufts Health Plan Foundation to create a roadmap for the City’s future in supporting older adults. This report reflects the voices of 4,000 older adults from every corner of Boston, reflecting different languages, viewpoints, ages, and cultures. Read the Age-Friendly Boston Action Plan.
  • Helping older adults retain and find homes. Since 2014, Mayor Walsh has created nearly 300 new units of low-income senior housing. In addition, he’s created a new $1.75 million line item in the City’s budget to offset federal cuts and produce more homes. Finally, through home renovation and foreclosure prevention–including expanded eligibility for the Senior Property Tax Work-Off Program–the Mayor has helped more than 500 seniors retain their homes.
  • Launched the Seniors Save program. Through Boston’s Home Center, Mayor Walsh is helping seniors replace their failing or inefficient heating systems to lower their risk of heating emergencies, lower their energy bills, and help them use their budgets on other necessities like medications and food.
  • Expanded programs and discounts. Mayor Walsh instituted a 30% water discount for eligible seniors, in addition to negotiating larger Comcast Cable senior discounts. He also launched Boston Aging Strong, expanding active senior engagement year-round.

Marty’s Plan

  • Create more senior housing. The City is on track to meet Mayor Walsh’s housing goal of 5,000 senior units of housing by 2030.
  • Make Boston one of the most age-friendly cities in the world. Mayor Walsh is committed to following the 75 action steps and guiding principles of the Age-Friendly Boston Action Plan. The City expects to accomplish these goals within 3 years. Once completed, with the help of community partners and residents, we will measure our progress and begin the process anew.