September - October 2023 Volume 30 Number 3
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us on Facebook for Pennsylvania Department of Aging devel- Like more news and upat facebook.com/ ops 10-year Master Plan for Older Adults; dates PittsburghSeniorNews. seeks input from Allegheny County residents
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By Gina Mazza Pennsylvania is one of only a handful of states that have been selected to create a 10-year “Master Plan” to evaluate issues facing older adults—and the Commonwealth’s Department of Aging is interested in hearing your thoughts, ideas and opinions regarding how to improve the overall quality of life for local and state residents. The Master Plan for Older Adults is a sweeping 10year, state-led and stakeholder-driven strategic plan being created to evolve the infrastructure and coordination of services for older adults locally and across Pennsylvania. One of the overall goals of the Master Plan is to reflect the needs and preferences of the older adult population to
live where they choose and access the support services that they need to thrive and age in place. Development of the plan was set in motion when Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro signed an executive order directing the state Department of Aging to set forth its goals, objectives, and initiatives aimed at promoting better health, wellbeing and a quality of life for the Commonwealth’s aging population. Pennsylvania was partly chosen for the 10-year plan due to its high concentration of older adults. The state ranks fifth among the 50 states with a 3.4 million older adult population, and seventh in terms of the percentage of older adults in its total population—at 17.8 percent as of 2020 (up from 15.4 percent
in 2010). Pennsylvanians with disabilities represent 11 percent of the population in terms of mobility and cognitive challenges, and seven percent with regard to independent living. An important aspect of the plan’s creation is seeking input from those whom it would impact. To this end, all older adults, along with their advocates, caregivers and loved ones, are being given opportunities to participate in the development process. Area Agencies on Aging across the state and Centers for Independent Living have been and will continue to host Listening Sessions where the public can learn about the plan and how to submit input.
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