By Bob Katzen

The House gave initial approval to legislation that would change some language in the 50-year-old law that created Councils on Aging in local cities and towns.

Changes include deleting language that refers to “problems of the aging” and replacing it with “the needs of older adults;” deleting language that calls workers “clerks” and replacing it with language that calls workers “staff;” and adding “and delivering services” to the language in the bill which gives the council the authority to “carry out programs.”

Supporters said the bill modernizes the language in a 50-year-old law that created Councils on Aging at a time when there were very few senior centers. They noted that the number of Councils on Aging and senior centers has grown to 350 and said the bill updates the statute to reflect the modern functioning of these critical centers.

Sponsor Rep. Kate Donaghue (D-Westborough) said she is thrilled that the bill received initial approval. “I filed this bill because senior centers are integral parts of each community, serving as a resource for every older adult and providing comprehensive programming and services to support the needs of the growing number of older adults across the commonwealth,” said Donaghue.