TOPSFIELD — The town's council on aging plans to spend their $6,554 grant to offer counseling, trasportation and nutrition programs to local seniors.

The group received the money recently through a Formula Grant from the state.

Joann Capone, executive director of the Topsfield Council on Aging, applies for this grant each year.

The Topsfield COA will also receive a 10 percent boost in funding this year because of an additional $600,000 in the state budget set aside for Council on Aging programs statewide.

"I am happy that despite such tough economic times the legislature was able to uphold the our commitment to the Council on Aging. The Councils on Aging are an important resource for seniors and their funding should reflect that," Sen. Frederick Berry said in a written statement.

Capone said this week that she is also working on inter-generational projects, hoping to strengthen the link between seniors and the community. She said programs geared toward the elderly populations are an essential part of the community — especially as the baby boomer generation nears retirement.

"There is a well-established need to have these programs," Capone said.

The state determines the funding by multiplying the number of residents over age 60 by $5.43.

In addition to the programs offered in Topsfield, Capone has also been working on a proposal for a town senior center, which she will present to selectmen on Monday.

Capone has been preparing for the upcoming selectmen's meeting on Monday, Jan. 24. There, she and other COA volunteers are hoping to establish the town's need for a senior center.