Andrea Palm, Deputy Secretary | https://www.hhs.gov/about/leadership/andrea-palm.html
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Administration for Community Living (ACL), has released a new report titled “Aging in the United States: A Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging.” This framework aims to establish a coordinated effort across both private and public sectors, involving older adults, family caregivers, the aging services network, and other stakeholders. The goal is to advance healthy aging and create age-friendly communities that fully include older adults.
The national plan will promote best practices in service delivery, foster partnerships across various sectors, and seek solutions to remove barriers to health and independence for older adults. The report was developed by leaders from 16 federal agencies and departments through the Interagency Coordinating Committee (ICC) on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities, incorporating input from community partners.
“Ensuring that every American can age with dignity has been a priority throughout the Biden-Harris Administration,” stated HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “From day one, we have focused on lowering prescription drug costs, improving support for family caregivers, strengthening the workforce that provides in-home services, increasing access to health care and more.”
Alison Barkoff of ACL emphasized the urgent need for planning due to the rapidly growing population of older adults. "ACL was proud to lead the development of this strategic framework," she said.
The Strategic Framework outlines goals for addressing critical aging issues including housing coordination, aligned healthcare services, accessible communities, age-friendly workplaces, and high-quality long-term services. It also highlights key issues like affordable housing availability and economic security.
On June 10 at 2 p.m., ACL will host a public webinar to provide an overview of the Strategic Framework. In subsequent months, ICC will engage with stakeholders nationwide to inform the development of the national plan on aging.
The report includes contributions from eight HHS divisions as well as several other federal departments including Agriculture; Housing and Urban Development; Labor; Transportation; Veterans Affairs; Social Security Administration; and AmeriCorps.
“Older adults everywhere deserve reliable, high-quality care that allows them to engage in their communities,” said Dr. Robert Otto Valdez of AHRQ. Michael D. Smith of AmeriCorps highlighted research showing improved health outcomes among volunteers engaged in meaningful activities.
CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure noted that CMS programs are vital lifelines for seniors. Veronica Vanterpool from FTA emphasized transportation as a major concern for older adults wanting to remain in their communities.
Carole Johnson from HRSA pointed out the importance of integrating geriatric care with primary care. SAMHSA’s Miriam E. Delphin-Rittmon underscored comprehensive care's role in maximizing health for older adults.
Dr. Tisamarie Sherry from ASPE mentioned that evidence-based policy is crucial for supporting health as people age while Debra Houry from CDC spoke about envisioning thriving communities where aging is celebrated.
Karen Hacker added that managing chronic diseases is key to helping older adults maintain their health and independence.
Rear Adm. Paul Reed highlighted this report as a critical step toward systemic solutions for supporting older adults’ well-being.
Led by ACL under the Older Americans Act mandate, ICC aims to develop national recommendations on key aging issues with appropriations received in fiscal year 2023 fostering this initiative's progress beyond government coordination into cross-sector partnerships benefitting older adults nationwide.
Learn more about ICC at ACL.gov/ICC-Aging
