Preparing for the Future: Why States Need Multisector Plans for Aging
December 9, 2024Addressing the Challenges of an Aging, Diverse Population Through Strategic, Collaborative Action
As the aging population in the U.S. grows rapidly and becomes more diverse, many states recognize that their existing healthcare infrastructure is not prepared to provide necessary services for older adults. A recent report from the Administration for Community Living highlighted that in 2022, nearly 58 million people were aged 65 and older, which is roughly 17.3% of the population, and is projected to reach 88.8 million by 2060.i
In 2022, racial or ethnic minorities made up 25% of the people aged 65 and older.ii States are exploring ways to plan strategically for this demographic shift. There is an urgent need for coordinated, multisector approaches to ensure health and social needs of aging people – both those who are older adults now as well as those who will age into existing systems – are met.
According to the U.S. Census, approximately 81 million people in the U.S. were aged 60 or older in 2023, which is an increase of 29% since 2013.iii
Older adults are facing economic challenges, such as fixed incomes not keeping pace with rising costs impacting their ability to afford essentials such as housing, food, and medications. Additionally, as people age, their healthcare needs change. Approximately 6 million people use paid long-term services and supports (LTSS) delivered in home and community settings, with over 2 million people using LTSS in institutional settings.iv Medicaid is the primary payer for LTSS. The U.S. is also facing workforce shortages and the growing need to support family caregivers. Currently, roughly 38 million people provide unpaid care to family or nonfamily members aged 65 or older. The change in workforce demands will likely affect the ability for people to remain in their preferred settings.v
States are currently grappling with a range of healthcare issues, including direct care workforce shortages, support for family caregivers, promoting health equity, and improving access and quality of LTSS in institutional, home, and community-based settings. Without proactive planning, healthcare systems, social services, and communities risk being overwhelmed. For example, a growing aging population will increase demand for health and social services, potentially leading to further challenges in accessing those services. This is where multisector plans for aging can be valuable at both the state and federal levels.
What Is a Multisector Plan for Aging?
A multisector plan for aging (MPA) is a “10+ year blueprint for restructuring state and local policies and convening a wide range of cross-sector stakeholders to collaboratively address the needs of older adult populations.”vi MPAs offer states a way to create coordinated, age-friendly communities by integrating services across government agencies. These plans help educate agencies and stakeholders on the broad impacts of their work on older adults, promote collaboration among policymakers, and raise public awareness about aging-related issues. MPAs also prioritize urgent responses to statewide needs, encourage partnerships with research and aging experts, and focus a lens on aging and disability challenges across various policies to ensure that communities are well-equipped to support people at every stage of life.
In 2024, the Center for Health Care Strategies conducted a national survey to understand the current landscape of states’ interest in and development of MPAs.vii The survey report highlighted several key findings:
More than half of the states (38 out of 50) are interested in planning for aging;
16 states have some form of MPA authorization from state leadership (e.g., Executive Order, legislation, or other decree);
Eight states are implementing (N.C., Okla., Pa., Vt.) or updating (Calif., Colo., Mass., Texas) existing MPAs;
Eight states are developing MPAs (Ind., Md., Mo., Minn., N.Y., Tenn., Utah) or actively planning for development (Ill.);
22 states without authorization are taking action toward or are interested in an MPA.
Paving the Way for Inclusive Aging Policies
Planning for an aging population will continue to be increasingly important for states and policymakers over the next few years. Developing a multisector plan for aging can help states work collaboratively across agencies, key stakeholders, and their communities to make necessary improvements to existing systems.
Resources