Boston Seniority magazine celebrates 40th year

Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Commission on Affairs of the Elderly today celebrated the 40th anniversary of Boston Seniority magazine, a free City publication dedicated to informing and engaging older adults in Boston.

"For four decades, Boston Seniority magazine has helped us tell the stories that make our city so special," said Mayor Walsh. "It has connected and celebrated the people who know this city better than anyone: Boston's seniors."

Started in November 1977, Boston Seniority magazine has a circulation of 15,000 copies, 10 times a year. It is distributed to more than 300 sites across the city, including Boston Public Library branches, elder housing complexes, and grocery stores. The magazine features content that includes important resources and ways to access benefits, lifestyle and health tips, and feature stories about older adults.

"I look forward to this magazine each month," said Roxbury resident Mary A. Pennellatori, 80 years old. Residents of Chestnut Park in Cleveland Circle, pictured above, said, "We love reading the magazine! It's educational, gives us ideas for outings and ways to stay active members in the community."

Hundreds of vintage copies of the magazine are safely stored and preserved in the City Archives.

City Archivist John McColgan said, "Boston Seniority is an important part of the City Archives' holdings and documents the work of the Elderly Commission serving Boston's seniors. We're excited to share these magazines as a part of this important milestone."  

"This magazine has chronicled our city and Commission's history, but even more importantly, it has captured our readers' milestones, too," said Commissioner Emily Shea. "It is a monthly celebration of our readers' voices and experiences, and we are honored to be a part of their lives."

To learn more about Boston Seniority magazine, please call 617-635-2360 or email bostonseniority@boston.gov. Visit our website to read our issues online.

The Commission on Affairs of the Elderly facilitates full and equal participation in all aspects of life by older adults in Boston. The commission is dedicated to improving the lives of Boston's older adults by connecting them with resources and information, and it is focused on setting the City's direction for successful aging in Boston. Read the newly launched Age-Friendly Action Plan at www.boston.gov/age-friendly, and visit www.boston.gov for more information.

The first issue and present day: