HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil on Aging - COA - Charge, Revised January 2026RECEIVED
TOWN CLERK
COUNCIL ON AGING (COA) LEXINGTON MA
Members: 11
Appointed by: Town Manager with Select Board approval
Length of Term: 3 year term
Appointments made: June 1
Charge: The Council on Aging provides policy guidance in the operation of the Senior Services division of
Lexington's Human Services Department, which coordinates and carries out programs designed to meet
the needs of the aging. These programs are developed in collaboration with programs of the Executive
Office of Aging and Independence (AGE), Minuteman Senior Services and others. Its activities include
the provision of congregate meal and home delivered meals, counseling and recreation for older adults
and their caregivers, Senior Health Monitor Program, Property Tax Work Off Program, tax assistance,
health clinics, health insurance advisory and education, exercise classes, library and education programs,
newsletter, outreach, and advocacy, and to provide sustained leadership that helps Lexington be a
livable and age friendly community for all who choose to live here. The Lexington Council on Aging
works to improve the quality of life of Lexington's citizens who are over the age of 60.
Criteria for Membership: Open to individuals with an active interest in the well-being of, and issues
facing, older adults.
Ref.: Lexington Code Chapter 35; MGL Chapter 40 §8B; Selectmen designated as Special Municipal
Employees on January 8, 1984; Selectmen reaffirmed designation as Special Municipal Employees on
January 18, 2006.
Responsibilities and Duties of the Council:
General:
The Council on Aging strives to assist older adults in maintaining their dignity, self-esteem, personal
independence, by promoting their engagement as full participants in the life of the community. The
COA makes every effort to provide older adults with opportunities that enhance their physical,
emotional, intellectual and social well-being, recognizing and supporting Lexington's diverse population.
Specific:
1) Provide guidance and consultation to the Senior Services division of the Human Services
Department (SSD) regarding older adult policies, programs, and long-range plans.
2) Collaborate with the SSD in evaluating services and programs and establishing user fees
for services and activities, as needed.
3) Assist with promoting and facilitating older adult service programs.
4) Initiate and participate in studies related to the needs of older adults.
5) Leverage Lexington's Age -Friendly Report findings and other relevant studies to identify
older adult community needs and recommend alterations in Lexington's
communications and services.
6) Assist in the preparation and review of the COA Report for the Annual Report to the
Town of Lexington.
7) Serve as liaisons with other Town committees in matters relating to older adults.
8) Recommend to Town administration and the community ways in which the needs of
older adults in Lexington can be met, by encouraging cooperative arrangements with
other towns, persons, or agencies.
9) Promote older adult participation in community activities.
10) Ensure that COA recommendations and activities are respectful of Lexington's Diversity, Equity
and Inclusion initiatives.