New York Stakeholders Begin Building a Master Plan for Aging
More than two dozen members of a stakeholder advisory committee representing various interests relating to aging services, senior care, public policy, and community planning met with State Department of Health (DOH) and Office for the Aging (SOFA) officials on Jan. 9th to begin their work to develop a Master Plan for Aging that they hope will serve as a blueprint for aging, aging services, and age-friendly communities for all generations of New Yorkers now and in years to come.
Bolstered by representatives of several LeadingAge NY member organizations, the group highlighted the need to break down barriers in communication and operations between the many agencies, organizations, and policymakers within and beyond the health care sector that must ultimately work together to ensure the opportunity for healthy aging for every New Yorker. In turn, the committee also noted the importance of clear communication with the public about the resources and options available to help them age safely in place.
The committee will meet monthly to draft an advisory report of its recommendations by early 2024, with a final Master Plan for Aging expected to be adopted later next year. Throughout its meetings, the committee will have the opportunity to create and oversee topic-specific subcommittees, including, but not limited to, three required by the executive order (EO) that established the plan: long term care services and supports, community-based services, and caregivers. Safe, affordable housing for older adults and combating social isolation – in part, through age-inclusive communities – were both raised as potential focus areas.
Contact: Annalyse Komoroske Denio, akomoroskedenio@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8866