Master Plan on Aging Workgroup Meeting

The Master Plan on Aging for Maryland Workgroup shares their expertise and knowledge in developing a Maryland State Master Plan for Aging. The group will collate resources and other state models to provide Governor Moore and his team with additional information on the importance of a State Master Plan for Aging. A Master Plan for Aging (MPA) is a cross-sector, state-led strategic planning resource that can help states transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for their rapidly aging population and people with disabilities. The workgroup will impress upon the Governor to commit to developing a MD Master Plan for Aging through a Governor’s Executive Order or Legislation.  

Identified priorities for the workgroup’s participation in Master Plan for Aging process: 

• Funding to serve and support older Marylanders has not kept pace with the population growth. State annual budgets communicate priorities and older adults continue to be left behind.  
• Support to the Department of Aging and its Secretary and partnership with its 19 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) that serve as the local infrastructure to provide robust federal programming as defined by the Older Americans Act and state programs.  
• Coordination and collaboration among state agencies is essential to creating systemic change, utilizing resources effectively, leveraging state funds, and providing quality services to all Marylanders.  
• “Age friendly,” the framework that focuses on community-wide strategies, is essential to making progress and creating a state that is forward-thinking and values older adults and their contributions to society.  
• Maryland must address the significant needs experienced by the older adult population, including: more affordable housing, fighting against social isolation; supporting cognitive and behavioral health; addressing food insecurity; promoting healthy aging; serving older adults and caregivers; rectifying extended waitlists for essential services; and building and enhancing infrastructure to support aging in place.  
• Care needs to better coordinated for Maryland seniors, including those dealing with complicated medical conditions such as Alzheimer's and other dementias. 

This event is for Maryland Philanthropy Network members and invited guests only.