As the United States and much of the world will have to contend with an aging population at an accelerated rate, governments are determining the best course of action to implement age-related measures. to this end, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services) has developed a strategic architecture for the National Aging Program.
The framework, released late last week, includes what the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called “a basis for coordinated efforts” between the public and private sectors. It will work with “older adults, family caregivers, aging service networks and other stakeholders” to develop a series of recommendations to promote age-friendly programs and communities.
“The National Aging Plan will advance best practices in service delivery, support the development and strengthening of intra- and interagency partnerships, identify solutions to remove barriers to health and independence for older adults, and more,” the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said in its announcement Zhong explained.
The framework includes input from 16 federal agencies and departments, including feedback from “community partners and leaders across the Aging Services Network.”
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra said the reality of an aging population requires reconciliation.
“From day one [of the Biden administration]Our focus is on lowering prescription drug costs, improving support for family caregivers, strengthening the workforce that provides home services, increasing access to health care and increasing support for seniors,” Becerra said in a statement. “The Strategic Framework provides us with a roadmap to build on this progress to improve the aging experience in our country.”
One of the key areas of the framework is housing, which recognizes the strong desire older Americans have to age in place at home. Parts of the framework address the need to provide older people with more pathways to achieve these aspirations.
“Research over the past 30 years has consistently shown that 90 percent of older adults want to stay in their homes as they age,” the framework reads. “As people age, they often experience changes in their physical and/or cognitive abilities that may affect their ability to live independently. Getting help with activities of daily living often allows older adults to continue living in their community Wanted homes – even for those with extensive daily needs, such as help with dressing and eating.
The group’s director, Alison Barkoff, said the rate at which the population was aging demonstrated the need for such coordination. community life management (ACL), a division of HHS, has previously updated federal policy to support aging in place.
“ACL is honored to lead the development of this strategic framework, and we are excited to work with all levels of government, partners across sectors, and seniors to develop the National Plan for Aging,” said Barkoff.
HHS will host an informational webinar on the new framework on June 10 to provide the public with an overview of what the agency hopes to achieve.
