Gov. reveals policy plan for older adults

BOSTON (WWLP)- Massachusetts' leadership takes pride in being rated the best state for families, for working mothers, and more, and Governor Healey wants to add "best state for older adults" to the list.

The Bay State is already ranked the top state for retired folks to relocate to, and the Governor signed an executive order on Thursday to ensure policy keeps up with older adults' needs.

"We want to improve the health and well-being of everyone in this state, and we want to make sure that we're really intentional about how we're valuing and respecting our residents as they age," said Governor Healey.

The state's plan includes identifying and analyzing challenges facing older adults, ensuring fiscal, housing, and food security, making sure state policy is dementia-friendly, and creating a governor's advisory group to help the government meet individual communities' needs.

The lieutenant governor says the plan focuses on ensuring older adults can age in their own homes.

"Aging in place is a heck of a lot better than needing any alternative, I know, so it's important for us to do the work and make sure everyone sees themselves through this effort," said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll.

The Healey Administration's aging plan provides guidelines and strategies for groups spanning from state agencies to the private sector, to ensure all involved in services for older adults can provide high-quality care.

This plan will be implemented over the next 5 years, with the intention of reevaluating needs and state efforts in 2030.