The number of older adults in the U.S. is growing at a faster rate than any other age group and continues to be a population of focus for states and territories. The former Surgeon General of the United States warned of the negative health impacts of loneliness and isolation in a 2023 Advisory, and according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults are at higher risk of loneliness. Researchers at AARP also estimate that Medicare spends an additional $6.7 billion each year on socially isolated older adults. The CDC identifies several promising practices to increase social connection, such as intergenerational programs, health education and peer support groups, and community-based exercise and physical activity.
While older adults are at higher risk for chronic diseases and other factors impacting their health, those with greater social connection and purpose in life have better health outcomes. May is Older Americans Month, and the Administration for Community Living’s theme this year is “Flip the Script on Aging.” This year’s theme seeks to help change the narrative that often accompanies aging, focusing on opportunities for engagement and purpose. Governors are supporting older adults by setting statewide goals through developing strategic plans on aging, directing state agencies to adopt age-friendly policies through executive orders, establishing advisory councils and offices to identify best practices for healthy aging, and celebrating and sharing the accomplishments of older adults.
Strategic plans on aging are collaborative resources focused on aligning health care, social services and other programs across states to support older adults. In Vermont, the Department of Health developed “Age Strong VT,” a ten-year roadmap to better support older adults living in the state, and recently released a year one report noting the department’s progress. This roadmap includes pillars of important aspects of healthy aging, like “social connection and engagement” and “optimal health and wellness.” In response to the finding that 9% of Vermonters experience frequent isolation, the Vermont Agency of Human Services created a Social Connection Map to help seniors in the state identify local resources.
In Massachusetts, Governor Maura Healey signed an Executive Order to institute age-friendly practices in the state. The Executive Order directs state agencies to find ways to integrate age-friendly policies in pursuit of improved health for older adults. The Executive Order also creates a Governor’s Advisory Group on Age-Friendly Policies and Practices that coincides with the recent release of the ReiMAgine Aging 2030 plan.
States are also recognizing the contributions of older adults. In Ohio, the Senior Citizens Hall of Fame highlights the role older adults play in society and in the state. The Ohioans chosen for the hall of fame are leaders in their communities and inspire others to live fuller, healthier lives. Pennsylvania supports older adults mentoring students through a law that took effect December 2024. The law established the Older Adult Mentor Volunteer Program, which fosters mentorship opportunities for older Pennsylvania residents to share wisdom, skills and experiences. A partnership between the Department of Aging, Department of Education and Board of Education supports the mentorship program. This past fall, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro also signed legislation to establish an Office of Alzheimer’s, Dementia, and Related Disorders. This office will oversee implementation of a state plan on Alzheimer’s, identify gaps in care and services and coordinate with state agencies to improve health outcomes.
In Tennessee, Governor Bill Lee also took steps to improve state infrastructure to support older adults by signing the Tennessee Disability and Aging Act into law. This act integrates the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and the Commission on Aging and Disability to form the Department of Disability and Aging, effective July 2024. The merged department is structured to improve coordination of services for older adults, recognizing that adults 65 and above are the fastest growing population in Tennessee.
As Governors continue to lead the way to build healthier communities for older adults to thrive, the National Governors Association’s Center for Best Practices will support states in preventing chronic disease through the Rx for a Healthier America policy initiative. This project will tailor interventions for certain populations, including older adults, to prevent chronic disease in the areas of lifestyle, nutrition, environmental health risks and health care access. For more information, please reach out to Anna Heard (AHeard@nga.org).
This publication was developed by Anna Heard with the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices.
