Creating a Healthier Community (quarterly article)
Submitted by Partnership for a Healthy Milton
Written by Laurie Stillman, MMHS
June 2025
NEW REPORT RELEASED ON THE HEALTH and WELLBEING OF MILTON’S OLDER RESIDENTS
The Massachusetts Healthy Aging 2025 Data Report is designed to help communities understand their older adult population and appropriately address their needs. The research was conducted by the Gerontology Institute at UMass Boston. The following represents data highlights from the report describing Milton’s older adult population:
Demographics
16% of Milton’s population is 65 years and older, representing about 4,600 residents. About 11% of them are 85 years or older.
There is a great deal of racial diversity in this age group, with a very high rate of seniors who are Black (4 times higher than the state).
Older Milton residents are generally highly educated, with nearly 50% holding a college degree or higher
Housing
About 26% of seniors live alone
About 1 in 4 do not own their home.
Nearly half of older renters and 1/3 of older homeowners spend more than one-third of their income on housing (cost burdened), much higher than the state average.
Economics
1 in 4 over 65 are employed.
Nearly 9% live under the federal poverty level and 8% use food stamps.
Independence
91% own a smartphone and 89% own a motor vehicle
18% report ambulatory difficulties and 11% have independent living difficulties
Health
There are many areas where Milton’s older population fares well compared to the state. For example, they have lower rates of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), high cholesterol, substance use and anxiety disorders. On the other hand, Milton’s older residents have significantly higher rates of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, cataracts, glaucoma, and prostate cancer.
96% have a regular doctor, but 3% haven’t seen a doctor when needed due to cost.
Older Milton adults have higher rates of getting recommended immunizations and dental exams, but slightly lower rates of annual physical exams or colorectal cancer screenings
About 15% report having only fair or poor health
58% live with 4 or more chronic conditions.
13% were injured by a fall in the past year, higher than the state, and nearly 4% suffered a hip fracture.
Higher rates of healthy eating and lower rates of obesity.
Behavioral Health
30% report living with depression; 27% with anxiety disorders
10% engage in excessive drinking; 7% have a Substance Use Disorder.
Only 5% are smokers.
The Partnership for a Healthy Milton is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting health equity and wellness for all. We believe it is time that our community consider pursuing a state designation as an Age Friendly Community, joining more than 100 cities and towns across Massachusetts who are working to ensure people of all ages-but especially older people-can live independent and supported lives. If you are interested in pursuing this with us in the coming years, please contact us at phm02186@gmail.com