Harrisburg, Pa. — Pennsylvania Senators Maria Collett (D-12) and Judy Ward (R-30), Chairs of the Senate Aging & Youth Committee and Registered Nurses, announced the publication of Aging Our Way, PA: A Plan for Lifelong Independence, a 10-year roadmap to better meet the needs of older Pennsylvanians. The draft strategic plan is open for public comment from February 20 – March 20, 2024.
“Every Pennsylvanian deserves to live and age with dignity,” Collett said. “This comprehensive and innovative plan from Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich and his team will help ensure older and disabled Pennsylvanians can remain in their homes and communities, that their caregivers are supported, and that they have access to the services and resources they need to thrive. I’m proud to have played a role in the development of Aging Our Way, PA and encourage Pennsylvanians to make their voices heard by reviewing the draft plan and offering their feedback for any improvements we can make.”
“I want to commend the Department of Aging for their work so far and encourage constituents and stakeholders to participate in the current public comment period,” said Ward. “To create a plan that best serves Pennsylvania’s older adults, we need the input from those who know best what that community most needs. With their help we can create a Master Plan for Pennsylvania that helps older adults pursue their best lives.”
Aging Our Way, PA was developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) in partnership with Pennsylvania’s Aging Network, including 52 Area Agencies on Aging and associated senior centers. Together, they conducted over 200 Listening Sessions to hear from residents in every one of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.
Through stakeholder feedback, PDA identified five key priorities, outlined in their plan:
- Unlocking Access
- Aging In Community
- Gateways to Independence
- Caregiver Supports
- Education & Navigation
Pennsylvania residents, especially older adults and their caretakers are asked to share their feedback on the draft plan through PDA’s webform; by mail at Aging Our Way, PA 555 Walnut St. 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101; or by emailing agingplan@pa.gov. Public comment is open through March 20, 2024.
Residents can follow Sen. Collett on Facebook, X, Instagram and TikTok @SenatorCollett for the latest news from the 12th Senate District and Harrisburg. Contact information for her district and Harrisburg offices can be found on her website at SenatorCollett.com, and constituents can sign up for her e-newsletter at SenatorCollett.com/subscribe.
Residents can follow Ward on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/SenJudyWard and Twitter @SenatorJWard for news about legislation and the 30th Senate District. Contact information for her district offices and other information can be found on her website at SenatorJudyWard.com, and constituents also can sign up for her e-newsletter at SenatorJudyWard.com/enewsletters.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Sen. Collett’s Office: Bailey Landis, Bailey.Landis@pasenate.com, 215-688-0493
Sen. J. Ward’s Office: Nathan Akers, Nakers@pasen.gov, 717-787-2421