Maryland Chosen for National Multisector Aging Learning Collaborative

The Maryland Department of Aging today announced that Maryland has been chosen by the Centers for Health Care Strategies as one of ten states to participate in the Multisector Plan for Aging Learning Collaborative. 

A Multisector Plan for Aging creates a valuable blueprint to help states design a coordinated system of high-quality care and support services that promotes healthy aging, independent living, and social engagement, while also addressing issues related to healthcare, housing, transportation, and other social determinants of health. The plan will include critical partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders, as well as input from older people across the state.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to participate in this prestigious learning collaborative that will support Maryland’s development of a comprehensive, forward-thinking plan to better serve, celebrate, support, and capitalize on the gift of  longevity,” said Maryland Department of Aging Multisector Plan for Aging Director Jennifer Crawley. “The outcome we seek is for Maryland’s older adults to lead healthy, financially secure, socially connected, and purposeful lives throughout their full lifespan.”

Of the 6.1 million residents currently living in Maryland, nearly 1.7 million are 60 years or older. About 300,000 Marylanders are over the age of 85, the fastest growing segment of the older population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In addition to Marylanders growing older, many are experiencing longer, healthier life expectancies, living closer to or beyond 100 years of age. The Census projects older Marylanders will outnumber children for the first time in history by 2034. 

“The aging of Maryland’s population impacts every Marylander,” said Maryland Department of Aging Secretary Carmel Roques. “This statewide collaborative will create a new framework to transform the coordination of services and build on the strengths of the aging population for decades to come, leaving no one behind.”

Secretary Roques added the Multisector Plan for Aging will prioritize transparency, equity, and inclusion so all older people can continue to live in Maryland comfortably and with dignity. To learn more about The Centers for Healthcare Strategies Learning Collaborative, go to multisectorplanforaging.org. To learn more about Maryland’s plan, contact Jenna Crawley at jennifer.crawley@maryland.gov.