LifePath

06/03/2026

In February, members of the Mount Grace community met at the facilities of LaunchSpace, Inc. (LSI) to assemble new, age-friendly benches that are now available for rest while exercising, as part of an Age and Dementia Friendly Community Grant award from LifePath.

What is an Age-Friendly Bench?
With age-friendly benches, it’s the little things that can make a big difference. They typically sit higher off the ground and include features like armrests and taller backs. The goal is simple: to make it easier and safer for older adults to sit down and stand up—so they can rest, enjoy the view, and stay active on the trail. Learn more at https://www.mountgrace.org/about/news/post/making-benches-at-a-makerspace

05/30/2026

Most people know someone with a food allergy. According to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), about 33 million people in the U.S. have food allergies, including 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 13 children. The prevalence is rising. While most food allergies develop in childhood, they can occur at any age, and adults can even develop new allergies later in life. Almost half of adults with food allergies report developing at least one during adulthood. Older adults should be aware of food allergies because symptoms can be worsened by a weakened immune system or masked by other health issues, and the consequences can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening.

A food allergy occurs when a person’s immune system overreacts to something in a food, usually a protein the body thinks is a threat. Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening and affect different body parts. They can include an itchy or runny nose, sneezing, an itchy mouth, swelling of the tongue or lips, hives, itchy skin, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, wheezing, tightening of the throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, a drop in blood pressure, weak pulse, and feeling dizzy or faint. Symptoms can be unpredictable, with different symptoms or levels of severity from one reaction to the next.

Continue reading by clicking on the link below.

Print this articleMost people know someone with a food allergy. According to Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), about 33 million people in the U.S. have food allergies, including 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 13 children. The prevalence is rising. While most food allergies develop in child...

05/26/2026

Championing your health includes self-advocacy — speaking up about your needs, understanding your options, and making informed decisions. This Older Americans Month, commit to taking charge of your well-being.

05/23/2026

This year’s theme for the Annual Franklin County Pride Parade & Festival, on Saturday, June 13, is “Together We Rise.” LifePath’s Rainbow Elders support network has supported LGBTQIA+ older adults in Franklin County for over 14 years by providing a network of social support. Through this network, many people have found connections and made new friends in person and via Zoom. These relationships have helped to break isolation, to lessen strain, and to encourage joy. LifePath’s Rainbow Elders Steering Committee meets regularly to discuss ideas and activities to bring people together. As part of this journey, LGBTQIA+ history is often shared.

Historical Overview

The first formal gay rights organization in the U.S. was established in the 1920’s. Various groups worked through the years with little headway until the Stonewall Riots, on June 28, 1969, in New York City. The Stonewall Riots became the catalyst for the gay rights movement in the U.S. and worldwide. Historically, NYC had laws that disallowed serving alcohol to homosexuals. Gay and le***an bars were often the only places people in the LGBTQIA+ community could freely express themselves. The NYC Liquor Authority often closed bars or sent police to raid bars. Serving alcohol to homosexuals was seen as “disorderly.” While those regulations were dropped in 1966, engaging in “gay” behavior was still illegal. There was also a “gender appropriate” dress code law.

Read more by clicking on the link below.

Print this articleThis year’s theme for the Annual Franklin County Pride Parade & Festival, on Saturday, June 13, is “Together We Rise.” LifePath’s Rainbow Elders support network has supported LGBTQIA+ older adults in Franklin County for over 14 years by providing a networ...

05/21/2026

Join us on Monday, June 8, at 3 PM for Joyful Expressions! This program is sponsored in part by the Mass Cultural Council.

05/21/2026

The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging will hold an in-person community listening session in Northampton on Tuesday, May 26. Here are the details:

Northampton Listening Session
Date: Tuesday, May 26
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. ET
Location: Northampton Senior Center, 67 Conz Street, Northampton, MA 01060
To register, call 413-587-1228.

Allison F. Bauer Named Director of the Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging May 4, 2026 Press Release The Massachusetts Commission on LGBTQ Aging enhances the quality of life for LGBTQ older adults in Massachusetts through state policy and program recommendations, collaborations, partnerships,and...

05/21/2026

We celebrated Staff Appreciation at Look Park on Wednesday, May 20, with staff milestone awards, including a 25-year award to Amy Dlugosz, PCA Program Director. Staff enjoyed fantastic food from Seth Mias Catering, trivia, pinch pottery, massages, and all Look Park has to offer.

05/16/2026

As communities across the country recognize Older Americans Month this May, the theme Champion Your Health highlights the importance of staying active, safe, and supported while aging. We can put effort into both championing our own health and helping make health possible for others.

When people think about health, they often think about doctors, medicine, and hospitals. Good medical care is very important. It identifies problems, treats illness, and saves lives. But medical care is only part of the picture. It is responsible for about 20% of health outcomes.

The other 80% comes from the social determinants of health. These include our everyday surroundings and experiences such as where people live, what they eat, how they get around, and how connected they feel to others.

This means health is not just about going to the doctor. It is also about what happens in homes, neighborhoods, and daily life. Learn more by clicking on the link below.

Print this articleAs communities across the country recognize Older Americans Month this May, the theme Champion Your Health highlights the importance of staying active, safe, and supported while aging. We can put effort into both championing our own health and helping make health possible for ...

05/15/2026

Did you know? Many chronic conditions once thought to be a natural part of aging can be prevented or managed through healthy habits like regular checkups, good nutrition, and physical activity.

05/09/2026

LifePath’s Information and Caregiver Resource Center (ICRC), known as the front door and hub of the agency, provides assistance to help individuals find the resources they need to live independently and thrive in their communities. ICRC processes more than 10,000 inquires each year.

When someone calls the main number, they are connected to a Resource Consultant, a trained staff member who is knowledgeable about LifePath’s programs and community resources. The call topics vary from a caregiver looking for available resources, a neighbor concerned about a friend who may need help, or someone wanting information about Medicare. Often, materials are sent to callers to review at home. If answers aren’t immediately available, Resource Consultants research options for the caller, or turn to our resource guides. Several of the guides are available on LifePath’s website, including the Silverline, How to Cut Costs, and our Home Repair Guide. Whenever possible, callers are provided with at least three options for services. Based on the calls received, new resources are sought to help future callers. Today when you call LifePath you will most likely talk to someone live on your first try, but that wasn’t always the case. Read more by clicking on the link below.

Print this articleLifePath’s Information and Caregiver Resource Center (ICRC), known as the front door and hub of the agency, provides assistance to help individuals find the resources they need to live independently and thrive in their communities. ICRC processes more than 10,000 i...