Aging in America: What Can States Do to Support an Older Population?

In 2050, the population aged 65 and over is projected to be 83.7 million, almost double the number it was in 2012. The needs of this aging population will have wide-ranging implications for the country, presenting both challenges and opportunities for families, businesses, health care providers, and public programs.

How can states help to create environments, policies, and programs that will allow older adults to live long, healthy lives, and remain engaged in their communities? What can states do to improve the lives of frail, elderly individuals who are dependent on others to help with daily activities? These were some of the questions asked at three Reforming States Group (RSG) meetings this past fall, as state policymakers gathered to focus on pressing topics in health policy. The topic of healthy aging is of interest to state leaders as they look at the changing role of long-term care services and some of the innovative solutions that states and local organizations are implementing to support this growing population.

Presentations at the 2015 RSG meetings focused on topics such as advance care planning, Alzheimer’s disease, the elements of healthy aging and state efforts to facilitate them, palliative care, and age-friendly communities. Participants also learned about how technology can help the aging population, new visions for long-term services and supports, AARP living communities initiative, and specific state programs, such as Tennessee’s long-term services and supports.

To learn more about the experts and their presentations, take a look at the presentations:

Overview Presentation
Lindsay Goldman Deputy Director, Healthy Aging Division of Health Policy New York Academy of Medicine New York, NY	Robert J. Wolf Consultant New York Academy of Medicine New York, NY

G. Lawrence Atkins Executive Director Long-Term Quality Alliance Washington, DC	Crispin Baynes Co-director NY Chapter Aging 2.0 Advisor New York, NY	Jennifer Wallace-Brodeur Interim Lead, Livable Communities Education & Outreach AARP Washington, DC
Jewel Mullen Commissioner Connecticut Department of Public Health Hartford, CT	Jed A. Levine Executive Vice President Director, Programs and Services Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter New York, NY	Patti Killingsworth Assistant Commissioner Chief of Long-Term Services and Supports Bureau of TennCare Nashville, TN
Marlene Nagel Director of Community Development Mid-America Regional Council Kansas City, MO	Helen B. McNeal Executive Director The California State University Institute for Palliative Care San Marcos, CA