Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 34, § 14A

In any county which accepts this section by vote of the county commissioners, the chairman of the county commissioners shall appoint a senior citizen to serve as an associate commissioner for affairs concerning the elderly. Said associate commissioner shall serve for a one year term, coterminous with the chairman's term of office. This associate commissioner shall have no powers or authority in the county government, but shall advise the county commissioners on affairs of the elderly and act as an ombudsman for senior citizens and elder agencies located within the county.