The north star for the Maryland Department of Aging is to ensure all older adults lead lives that are healthy, financially secure, socially connected, and purposeful.

Governor Moore signed an Executive Order directing the Department to develop a multisector plan for aging, joining several other states that are implementing robust plans to prepare for longer and healthier lives.

On a national level, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services also recognizes the need to prepare for the future and improve the experience of aging in America, creating A Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging. 

Our state’s multisector plan for aging, Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM), will serve as a blueprint for government, private, and nonprofit sectors to positively transform norms, systems, programs, and services to build a thriving aging society.

LRM work groups begin meeting this month to develop actionable, evidence-informed recommendations and strategies to address the evolving needs and embrace the contributions of older adults. Each work group is made up of a diverse group of people with lived and professional experience in the public and private sectors, including aging networks, advocacy organizations, philanthropies, health care, public health, and technology sectors.

As we continue to make progress with LRM planning and implementation, we invite you to b​​e a part of the process by attending live streams or watching recorded videos of the work group meetings. We also invite you to participate in ​​the January 2025​ public comment period through online​ and in-person​ Town Hall meeting​s. Click here for more information on meetings and LRM planning efforts. 

Secretary Carmel Roques recently joined Susan Ryan, host of the Elevate Eldercare podcast, for a thought-provoking discussion on the opportunities and challenges of an aging society.​

She shared how Longevity Ready Maryland will help Maryland communities thrive in the years to come by developing innovative approaches to aging, advancing multisector collaborations, and providing equitable access to resources.

"By ensuring equal access to coordinated care, services, and social determinants that enable healthy longevity, we will be able to age with dignity, purpose, and the resources to live well throughout our lives," said Sec. Roques. 

Click here to listen to the Elevate Eldercare podcast sponsored by The Green House® Project, a not-for-profit organization that seeks to destigmatize aging and humanize care through the creation of non-institutional living environments for older adults.

The Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) has expanded its Complete Streets initiative and updated transportation policies that promote a culture of safety statewide.

Complete Streets aims to improve the design of roads, intersections, bike lanes, and crosswalks – especially in underserved areas – to better protect pedestrians and people using mobility devices, bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters. 

"We commend MDOT for working to deliver safe, accessible, and equitable travel options for everyone, making our communities more walkable and easier to navigate for all ages and abilities," said Secretary Roques. Click here to learn more about Complete Streets.

The Maryland Department of Aging has expanded a statewide initiative to provide mobility equipment and funding for assistive communication devices and support to people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) living in Maryland.

The initiative was formed through a partnership between the department’s Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Re-Use program and Bridging Voice, a non-profit organization that helps people with ALS with communication and technology needs.

In addition to providing mobility equipment like powered wheelchairs, DME Re-Use has granted $350,000 this fiscal year to Bridging Voice to purchase speech generating devices and provide technical support, advanced customizations, and in-depth training on how to use the equipment. Click here to hear the story of April Kerner who received a customized eye tracker and voice clone with funding from DME Re-Use.

Maryland DME Re-Use provides gently-used mobility equipment such as power wheelchairs, home hospital beds, mechanical lifts, shower chairs, and more to Maryland residents of any age and with any disability, free of charge.

Last month, Governor Wes Moore pledged support for more than 150,000 military and veteran caregivers across the state by joining the Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Hidden Heroes campaign, making Maryland the 11th state to join the initiative.

Hidden Heroes raises awareness about the issues military caregivers face by providing critical resources to those who care for wounded, sick, and injured service members and veterans and connects military caregivers to a community of their peers. 

To learn more about Hidden Heroes, visit hiddenheroes.org. For additional support and resources, contact the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 or visit aging.maryland.gov.

People with HIV and AIDS are living longer and healthier lives due to improvements in drugs that reduce the amount of virus in the body, as well as early diagnosis efforts and more accurate testing. The National Institute on Aging reports that nearly 50% of people in the United States living with diagnosed HIV are aged 50 and older, predicted to increase to 70% by 2030.

Despite medical advances, aging with HIV poses an increased risk of other health problems like diabetes and heart disease. The dual stigma of ageism and anti-HIV bias can also contribute to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders.

To raise awareness and ensure HIV prevention, testing, and treatment remain relevant across the lifespan, September 18th has been designated National HIV/AIDS & Aging Awareness Day by the National Institutes of Health. To learn more about HIV prevention, treatment, and care for older adults, visit HIVinfo.NIH.Gov. For additional information on services and supports offered to LGBTQIA+ older adults, their families, and caregivers, visit aging.maryland.gov.

To assist with your health coverage questions and address insurance concerns, the Maryland Insurance Administration has launched the Health Coverage Assistance Team (H-CAT).

After filling out a simple application form, a trained H-CAT representative will work with you for as long as it takes to:

• answer your questions
• explain your health plan
• help you find a provider
• assist with filing a claim
• find alternate coverage for health services
• provide other helpful resources

To receive assistance from H-CAT, fill out an online form, call H-CAT at 410-468-2442​, or email hcat.mia@​maryland.gov​.

National Senior Center Month

September is National Senior Center Month, and this year's theme is "Powering Connections."  Maryland's 117 senior/community centers offer excellent opportunities for adults to connect with others in the community while remaining independent and active.

The Maryland Department of Aging allocates funds to several centers to support innovative programming that brings people with a range of needs, interests, and physical abilities together. Programs offered include group games, exercise classes, health screenings, immunization clinics, daily meal service, outing and transportation opportunities, evidence-based disease prevention programs, and health education seminars, among others. Visit aging.maryland.gov to find your local senior center and learn what's offered in your community.

National Preparedness Month

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has designated September as National Preparedness Month to educate communities on how to prepare for disasters and build resilience before disaster strikes. Older adults may face greater risks during emergencies, especially if they live alone, have a disability, lack resources, or live in rural areas.

FEMA is offering a free webinar on Wednesday September 4, 2024 from 4:00-5:30pm on basic steps you can take to prepare for hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and extreme temperatures. The webinar is open to anyone and will focus on general preparedness, pet preparedness, and building community resilience. Register at https://fema.cosocloud.com/npmfitprep/event/registration.html

Find additional preparedness information and resources from the Maryland Department of Emergency Management or at aging.maryland.gov. 

National Report Medicare Fraud Day

September 12th is National Report Medicare Fraud Day, a day to spread the word on how to reduce Medicare fraud, waste, abuse, and error. To empower Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to identify and report suspected fraud, Maryland's Area Agencies on Aging administer the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program.

Trained SMP counselors provide free and confidential assistance and education in each county and Baltimore City that can help protect your personal identity, detect errors in your health care bills, and report fraudsters to the appropriate authorities. Find your local SMP office at maryland.aging.gov/SMP.

Falls Prevention Awareness Week

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has designated September 23-27, 2024 as Falls Prevention Awareness Week to let older adults know they have the power to reduce their risk of falling. Click here to learn about myths surrounding older adult falls and steps you can take to stay healthy and independent. Even if you're healthy and have talked with your health care provider, you can check your risk for a fall at ncoa.org. Visit aging.maryland.gov for more falls prevention resources.