Swampscott Council On Aging Awarded $7,500 State Grant

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — With the expectation that more than a third of Swampscott residents will be senior citizens within the next decade, the Swampscott Council on Aging is looking for ways to better connect and provide programs for that increasing demographic.

A $7,500 grant from the state Association of Council on Aging & Senior Center Directors will be used to expand marketing and outreach strategies for the town's Aging Friendly Initiative.

"Our Senior population in Swampscott is growing drastically," Director of Aging Services Heidi Whear said. "Over the next 10 years, our senior population will increase from under 25 percent of the Town’s population to over 33 percent. Furthermore, 85 percent of these seniors indicate they plan to age in place in their homes.

"It's imperative that we do what we can to reach them where they are with both print and online resources."

The grant will support the development of a new website shared by the Senior Center and Swampscott for All Ages, as well as the development, printing, and mailing of a 12-page resource guide.

The Council on Aging is also placing more emphasis on remote participation in its programs and resources.

The Senior Center intends to launch the new publication and website in late spring.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)