Natick COA declines Humana-sponsored Active Aging Week but will promote programs locally

Donna Tarutz, director of the Town of Natick Council on Aging (COA), told the board on April 13 that an investigation into Active Aging Week found the event is professionally sponsored by Humana, which creates a conflict for a municipal host. As a result, Tarutz said the COA will not host Active Aging Week events but will promote several healthy-aging programs in the fall and increase outreach to older residents.

Tarutz also reviewed the COA’s upcoming trips and programs, noting openings for a Ogunquit trip (about 15 more signups needed), a Pilgrim Bell Cruise, visits to the Newport Mansions and the Norman Rockwell Museum, and a New Hampshire Turkey Train outing. Program highlights included a new Yin Yoga class, Strength & Core and Stability training, a Power over Parkinson program, an intergenerational flower-arranging class with Rivers School, one-on-one technology help from the Natick librarian, a library book club, and a multi-session drama series led by a BC tenured professor.

Board members praised recent safety classes on pickleball and golf and asked operational questions about chaperones for trips, room availability for crowded classes and timing for trip flyers. Tarutz said COA staff will chaperone trips and that staff would follow up on room availability and signage for trip fliers. The COA also noted several upcoming presentations and seminars, including a men's health seminar in May and a program on managing mental health in June.

The board did not take formal action on the program schedule beyond the staff report. Tarutz said the COA will promote the healthy-aging content in the fall rather than host the Humana-branded Active Aging Week.