BUFFALO, NY – In a letter signed by more than 80 organizations, a diverse coalition of advocates from across New York State called on Gov. Kathy Hochul to commit New York to developing a Master Plan for Aging.
The coalition includes representation from a variety of sectors, including community-based organizations, long-term services and supports providers, racial and socioeconomic justice advocates, foundations, academic institutions, paid and family caregiver organizations, county Offices for the Aging, and several national aging organizations and coalitions. View the letter here.
A Master Plan for Aging is a comprehensive roadmap for system-wide changes in how services are coordinated, delivered, and financed to better meet the needs of the state’s older adults and their families. Developed with a lens of transparency and accountability, it serves as an outcome-oriented blueprint for all sectors to promote healthy aging and prepare New York for future demographic changes. States such as Colorado, California, Texas, and Massachusetts have already committed to Master Plans for Aging.
The letter applauds New York’s existing age-friendly work, and notes that a Master Plan for Aging would strengthen and coalesce existing efforts, rather than replace them.
This opportunity for a long-term, proactive approach to healthy aging comes at a critical time for these issues as New York and the world continue to face the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as it is estimated that approximately one-quarter of New York residents will be 60 or older by 2030.
Interviews with key stakeholders in this initiative can be arranged by contacting Kerry Jones Waring at 716-380-7319. More information about this effort can be found at hfwcny.org/MPA.
