Raging in Place

Gen-x aging resources and community

Tag: social services

  • California’s Master Plan for Aging: 2025 Update

    California’s Master Plan for Aging: 2025 Update

    California is facing a rapidly growing older adult population.

    To address this demographic shift, the state launched the Master Plan for Aging (MPA) in 2021. The MPA is a 10-year plan with a vision for an age- and ability-forward California by 2030. In 2025, the MPA was refreshed with new initiatives and renewed commitments to support older Californians.

    The California Department of Aging (CDA) recently released the Fourth Master Plan for Aging Annual Report and the 2025-26 MPA Initiatives. These documents highlight progress and outline the focus for the next two years. The MPA now includes 81 new initiatives across its five goals: Housing, Health, Inclusion & Equity, Caregiving, and Affording Aging. These initiatives address critical areas like expanding access to affordable senior housing, improving healthcare, supporting family caregivers, and promoting economic security .  

    The 2025-26 initiatives emphasize collaboration with counties to implement the MPA effectively. This includes supporting Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and strengthening Adult Protective Services. The MPA is committed to using data to track progress and ensure accountability . The MPA Implementation Tracker, a publicly available database, allows stakeholders to monitor the progress of each initiative.  

    The MPA continues to prioritize five key goals: creating more affordable and accessible housing options, improving the health and well-being of older adults, ensuring that all older adults have equal opportunities to age with dignity, supporting family caregivers, and promoting economic security.

    The MPA is a dynamic plan that evolves with the changing needs of California’s older adults . The 2025 update demonstrates the state’s ongoing commitment to creating a California for All Ages, where older adults can thrive and age with dignity.

  • The Graying of the City: Can NYC’s Aging Services Keep Pace?

    The Graying of the City: Can NYC’s Aging Services Keep Pace?

    NYC’s Aging Population: A Growing Concern

    New York City’s population is aging, mirroring a national trend. A recent Amsterdam News article explores this shift and questions whether city funding for aging services can keep pace with the growing demand. The article highlights the increasing number of older adults in NYC and the potential strain on existing resources. Concerns arise about the adequacy of funding for programs supporting seniors, including healthcare, affordable housing, and social services.

    This is particularly relevant for Generation X. Sandwiched between Boomers and Millennials, we’re now facing our own aging process. Many of us juggle caring for aging parents, navigating career transitions, planning for retirement, and supporting younger family members. Consequently, an underfunded system for senior services in a city like New York is a legitimate concern.

    For Generation X considering retirement or relocation, the availability and quality of senior services are critical factors. Will there be enough affordable housing options? Will healthcare facilities handle the increased demand? Will community programs support social engagement and combat isolation? These are questions we must ask as we plan for our future.

    Furthermore, the situation in New York City, as highlighted by the Amsterdam News article, reflects a broader societal challenge. As the population ages, cities and governments must prioritize funding for programs supporting older adults. Our well-being, and that of future generations, depends on it. Therefore, we must advocate for policies ensuring access to quality care and resources for seniors, nationwide.

    Do you live in NYC? How is aging in the big city going for you?