In the heart of Acton, there’s the quiet hum of conversation, the clink of coffee cups, and the kind of laughter that signals connection. It comes from a place where aging isn’t about slowing down, it’s about living fully. That place is Cooperative Elder Services, Inc. (CESI), a nonprofit that’s been redefining what healthy aging means for nearly five decades.
Founded in 1978, CESI was built on a simple, powerful belief: healthy aging is for everyone. The organization operates adult day health centers in Acton and Arlington, providing therapeutic support for older adults who face physical or cognitive challenges, and for the caregivers who stand beside them.
Each weekday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., CESI’s centers come alive with activity. Participants engage in exercise and art, share stories over nutritious meals, and receive professional care from a licensed nursing team. There is also on-site physical therapy and regular consultation with a registered dietician. Every detail is designed to nurture the body, mind, and spirit.
“We empower our clients to age well and on their own terms,” says Michelle Holmberg, the chief strategy director of CESI.
That mission matters deeply to the more than 300 clients and caregivers CESI supports each year. Together, they represent over 50 cities and towns across Greater Boston, logging more than 42,000 daily visits to CESI’s welcoming spaces annually.
However, when I interviewed Holmberg on Friday, Oct. 31, 2025, at CESI’s Acton center, which is located at 30 Sudbury Road, Suite 1, she described the mission-based nonprofit as “the best kept secret in elder care.”
Sharon Mercurio, Acton’s Council on Aging Director, and her staff at the nearby Acton Senior Center know about what CESI does and are in regular contact with CESI staff.
Holmberg admitted, “It can feel like I’m spitting in the wind,” when she talks about their services in many other cities and towns in Greater Boston.
She said, “They’ll often remark, ‘Oh, do you have nurses?’ We’ve always had nurses. And we’re hiring more.”
It’s challenging caring for an aging loved one, both emotionally and financially. That loved one may find adult day health a great option. Holmberg, who also lives in Acton, added, “When I start needing adult day health programs, bring me here.”
Why Adult Day Health matters
Adult day health programs like CESI’s play a vital role in helping seniors and adults with disabilities to remain in their homes and communities. These programs offer a safe, structured daytime environment where participants can socialize, exercise, and engage in meaningful activities from gardening to music therapy.
They also offer respite and support for family caregivers, those unsung heroes balancing compassion with the challenges of daily care. CESI’s approach acknowledges that caregiving, too, is part of healthy aging.
When choosing an adult day health program, experts recommend visiting centers, meeting staff, and learning about daily activities and care options. For those with memory care needs, specialized programs, like those at CESI, offer secure environments and activities designed to engage cognitive function while ensuring safety. Transportation, payment options, and staff training are also important factors to consider. CESI accepts MassHealth, State Home Care, and Senior Care Options plans, making their services accessible and affordable to many.
Compared with in-home or residential care, adult day health can be a cost-effective option that still delivers the human connection and professional attention that help people thrive.
A community that ages well — together
Starting something new can be daunting for participants and caregivers alike. But CESI staff encourage giving it time: two days a week for four to six weeks often allows new participants to adjust to the rhythm and warmth of the program.
And once they do, something remarkable happens. People find purpose again, whether through conversation, creativity, or shared laughter.
CESI’s core values — service to others, respect for all, challenging the status quo, and healthy communities — encapsulate commitment to “mission first” service, caregiver wellness, and advocacy for healthy communities is what makes them more than just a care provider. They’re a partner in helping families navigate aging with dignity and joy.
For residents of Acton and the surrounding area, CESI stands as both a resource and a reminder: aging well isn’t about doing less, it’s about doing more of what matters, together.
Greg Jarboe is the Acton Exchange beat reporter for the Council on Aging, and also writes on a variety of other topics of community interest.
