HHS provides the Strategic Framework for the National Plan on Aging

Today, the US Department of Health and Human Services, through its Administration for Community Living, released “Aging in the United States: A Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging.” The report lays the groundwork for a coordinated effort—across the private and public sectors and in partnership with older adults, family caregivers, the aging services network, and other stakeholders—to create a national set of recommendations for advancing aging. healthy and age-friendly. communities that truly value and include older adults. The National Plan on Aging will advance best practices for service delivery, support the development and strengthening of partnerships within and across sectors, identify solutions to remove barriers to health and independence for older adults, and more. Developed by leaders and experts from 16 federal agencies and departments working together through the Interagency Coordinating Committee (ICC) on Healthy Aging and Moscow-Friendly Communities, the report also reflects input from community partners and leaders in the aging services network .

“Ensuring that every American can age in dignity has been a priority throughout the Biden-Harris administration and is at the core of our work at HHS,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “Since day one, we’ve focused on lowering prescription drug costs, improving support for family caregivers, strengthening the home care workforce, increasing access to health care and more to support the elderly. The Strategic Framework provides a roadmap for us to build on that progress to improve the aging experience in our country.”

“The rapidly growing population of seniors creates an urgent need for thoughtful planning and coordinated action to strengthen the systems that support health and well-being as we age,” said Alison Barkoff, who directs the Administration for Community Living. “ACL was proud to lead the development of this strategic framework and we are excited to work with our partners at every level of government, across all sectors and with older adults to develop a national plan on ageing.”
The Strategic Framework captures the opportunities and challenges created by the aging of the US population and sets goals and objectives for addressing critical aging issues. It considers the many factors that affect the aging experience, as well as the things that all people need as they age, such as housing and coordinated services, health care and support services, accessible communities, jobs age friendly and high quality long. long term services and support. Within these, the framework discusses key issues and work being done across the federal government, such as the availability of affordable and accessible housing and the promotion of economic and financial security.

On June 10 at 2 p.m., ACL will host a public webinar to provide an overview of the Strategic Framework (advance registration required.) In the coming months, ICC will engage with stakeholders across the country to explore opportunities and issues in the Strategic Framework and informing the development of the national plan for aging.

The report includes contributions from eight HHS divisions, as well as the US Departments of: Agriculture, Housing and Urban Development, Labor, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs; Social Security Administration; and AmeriCorps.

“Seniors everywhere deserve reliable, high-quality, age-friendly care that allows them to engage in their communities and pursue meaningful activities through optimal health, well-being and functioning,” said the Director of the Agency for Health Research and Quality, Dr. Robert Otto Valdez. . “AHRQ is a proud partner in the Strategic Framework in providing health care systems and clinicians with the clinical decision support, evidence-based tools, and other resources needed to fully address the needs and desires of older patients, regardless of setting. their care.”

“Seniors are an integral part of our nation’s health, and our AmeriCorps senior volunteers demonstrate this every day through the impactful service they provide to communities,” said Michael D. Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps. “Aging in the United States: A Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging speaks to the importance of engaging older adults in their communities in meaningful ways that give them purpose, allow them to share their knowledge and skills, and improve their health and well-being. AmeriCorps senior research showed that after a year of intentional engagement through our programs, 84 percent of volunteers reported improved or stable health, 88 percent reported decreased feelings of isolation, and 78 percent felt less depressed. We want this for all seniors and are proud to be part of this national plan on aging.”

“Our programs at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) are an important lifeline for Americans, especially seniors who can benefit from enjoying community living, physical and mental health services, and community-based services and supports. in the community,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita. Brooks-LaSure. “The Strategic Framework’s thoughtful approach complements our work across CMS programs to help make the future of aging brighter by using person-centered approaches to care and services that respect and acknowledge the needs of everyone we serve.”

“Transportation, cited as a major concern by older adults, can prove challenging as we age,” said Federal Transit Administration Acting Administrator Veronica Vanterpool. “More than 85 percent of Americans ages 50 to 80 say it’s important to them to grow up where they live. To enable them to do this, older adults need a robust transportation network, including transit, to get them to health care and other activities. Transit investments, enabled by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act and administered by the FTA, are an essential component of an age-friendly community.”

“Addressing gaps in care and increasing engagement between patients and family members is critical to improving health outcomes for older adults, especially people with specific health care needs such as diabetes or mental health conditions,” said Carole Johnson, Administrator of Health Resources and Services Administration. “HRSA is committed to educating, training and building the capacity of the health care workforce by integrating geriatric care with primary care and other specialties, including HIV care.”

“The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) strongly supports the Strategic Framework, which includes a goal for all older adults to maximize their health and reduce preventable illness and injury through comprehensive care that integrates services health and social care at home or in the community,” said Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon, Ph.D, who directs SAMHSA. “Preventing mental health and substance use conditions, providing comprehensive care to those who need it, and supporting individuals in recovery is essential to allowing older adults to live long, healthy lives.”

“This Framework is an important step toward more comprehensive support of health and well-being as we age,” said Dr. Tisamarie Sherry, deputy assistant secretary for behavioral health, disability and aging policy, who is performing the delegated duties of Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation. “ASPE seeks to elevate evidence-based policy – ​​this Framework, and the national plan to follow, are excellent tools to advance policies that work for older people.”

“As life expectancy increases, we have a unique opportunity to redefine what it means to grow older. At CDC, we envision a world where aging is celebrated and everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” says Debra Houry, MD, MPH, the head of the CDC. medical officer “This framework serves as a guide for building age-friendly communities that prioritize the health and well-being of older adults.”

“Making sure seniors can live their healthiest lives is a priority for CDC. Achieving this goal depends on managing and preventing chronic diseases,” says Karen Hacker, MD, MPH, director of the CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. “The strategies in this framework reflect our commitment to a future where older adults have the resources and community support they need to maintain their health and independence.”

“This report represents a first-of-its-kind and much-needed primer for local, state, and federal leaders in the United States, outlining exactly what it will take to support the nation’s growing population of older adults, ” said Rear Adm. Paul Reed, MD, HHS deputy assistant secretary for health. “By identifying the unique needs of older adults living in the United States and the resources and tools needed to promote their health and well-being, this report is a critical step toward developing and implementing systemic solutions to help older adults elderly to flourish.

About the Inter-Institutional Coordinating Committee for Healthy Aging and Friendly Communities of Moscow

Led by the Administration for Community Living, the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Friendly Communities was established under the Older Americans Act to foster coordination across the federal government and develop a national set of recommendations on key aging issues .

With the first appropriations to support the ICC received in fiscal year 2023, ACL brought together leaders and experts in 16 federal agencies and departments to develop the Strategic Framework. The promise contained in this Strategic Framework, however, extends beyond government coordination. Its vision, values, goals and actions aim to create and strengthen cross-sector partnerships and for the betterment of the elderly nationwide.

Learn more about ICC on Healthy Aging and Age Friendly Communities at ACL.gov/ICC-Aging.