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Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
State officials launch 10-year plan to boost supports for growing senior population
Department of Aging Secretary Carmel Roques says that new 10-year road map to boost senior-focused initiatives in the state is "designed to ensure that Marylanders can age with dignity." (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters). Across the United States, health officials are bracing for the rising population of senior citizens expected in the next couple years, as 'Baby Boomers' continue to age into retirement and will likely need additional supports to secure affordable housing options, health care and other resources. In what it calls the 'Graying of America,' the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by 2034, the number of people aged 65+ and older will outnumber children aged 18 and younger for the first time in the United States' history. Maryland officials are trying to get ahead of the problem, announcing a 10-year plan called the Longevity Ready Maryland initiative to boost supports for older residents in the state in coming years. In a briefing about the plan Wednesday, Secretary Carmel Roques with the Maryland Department of Aging said that Longevity Ready Maryland is 'designed to ensure that Marylanders can age with dignity, purpose and independence' by promoting collaboration between government agencies, philanthropic efforts and the private sector. 'This is the only way we can truly begin to meet the challenges and also to really be able to realize the potential and benefits of an older and aging population,' Roques said, noting that there are over 1.4 million people over the age of 60 in Maryland as of now. According to state estimates, about 1 in 4 Marylanders will be 60-years-old or older by 2030. By 2045, an estimated 315,000 people in the state will be age 85 or older. 'We must strengthen supports for people who are aging now and for people who are already older and their care givers,' Roques said. In a written statement, Gov. Wes Moore (D) said that the launch of Longevity Ready Maryland will work to support older Marylanders at a time when the Trump Administration has been cutting back on spending for programs that they rely on, such as Medicaid and food assistance. 'Maryland is stepping forward with urgency and a clear plan to put the well-being of older Marylanders front and center,' Moore said in the statement. 'By coordinating action across state agencies, community organizations, and the private sector, Longevity Ready Maryland takes a resilient approach to aging and makes efficient use of every resource as federal support becomes less certain.' The Longevity Ready Maryland roadmap has been under development for almost two years, following Moore's executive order issued on Jan. 3, 2024, to create the initiative. The roadmap outlines four overarching goals, each with short-term and long-term policy suggestions to achieve those initiatives: Build inclusive communities that are friendly to senior residents and their needs, Strengthen the caregiver workforce, Invest in health programs so that older people can stay healthier longer, Create more affordable housing opportunities and promote financial planning so seniors can have stable housing option. 'Maryland is at a demographic crossroads,' the executive summary of the plan says. 'Longer lives and declining birth rates have introduced a significant shift in how our current systems will need to function as the growing number of older adults continues to expand.' With the multi-agency, multi-sector collaboration, the Moore administration hopes to aid aging residents with the many challenges that come with old age, such as housing needs, financial challenges and health care services. Danielle Meister, assistant secretary of homeless solutions with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, said that the need for affordable housing options that are suitable for older people is 'one of the big needs' for the senior population. 'We're facing a severe shortage of affordable housing in our state,' she said,' but this need is more acute and significant for older adults.' She said that department data estimates that 130,000 Marylanders 65-years-old and older face a housing cost burden, meaning they pay more than 30% of their income on rent or a mortgage. 'It makes it really difficult, especially for older adults who are often on restricted incomes, to meet their basic needs,' Meister said. More people aged 65+ face homelessness, state housing officials report The state also needs additional accessible housing so more Marylanders can 'age in place independently' and not have to move into a new living situation when more health needs or disabilities arise. Allison Roenigk Ciborowski, President and CEO of LeadingAge Maryland, said in a written statement Wednesday that said that the 'important — and hardest — work lies ahead.' 'A plan is only as good as how it is implemented and resourced,' she said in the statement. 'We are thrilled to see the full support of LRM by the Governor, and we are eager to continue to work closely with MDOA, state agencies, and legislators to ensure that the goals for coordination and collaboration truly come to life.' Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
16-06-2025
- CBS News
Maryland leaders, FBI and AARP partner for "Protect Week" to combat elder fraud
Maryland officials and advocacy groups are joining forces to protect older Marylanders from financial exploitation. AARP, the Maryland Department of Aging, and the FBI's Baltimore Field Office launched "Protect Week" in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The statewide initiative aims to educate seniors and their families on how to avoid common scams that often target the elderly. "Our elderly parents and grandparents deserve to enjoy their golden years, not have their security shattered," said Amanda M. Koldjeski, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office. $80 million lost to elderly scams in 2024 Each year, thousands of older Maryland residents fall victim to fraud, losing millions of dollars. According to the FBI, more than 3,200 Marylanders over the age of 60 lost a combined $80 million to scams in 2024. At the kickoff event, officials shared personal stories and warned about the emotional manipulation often used by scammers. "It's a powerful reminder that abuse doesn't always come from a stranger hiding behind a screen," said Shawn Perry, host of The Senior Zone. "Sometimes, it comes from a trusted person." Carmel Roques, Maryland's Secretary of Aging, described a recent moment at home when she received a suspicious message. "My husband called up the stairs to me and he said, 'Honey, there's someone named Lisa from Japan who wants us to know we won $5 million… we just have to click here,'" Roques said, laughing. "We had a good laugh." But for many, it's no laughing matter. Officials warned that scammers often create urgent or emotional scenarios to pressure seniors into giving up personal information or money. "In Maryland, more than 3,200 people over the age of 60 lost a staggering $80 million," Koldjeski said. Jane Dean, a Montgomery County resident, nearly fell victim to a scam after receiving a call claiming she had an Amazon order, even though she doesn't have an account. She said she stayed on the phone with the scammer while trying to withdraw money at the bank, until a police officer's radio gave the situation away. "The policeman that was there, his radio went off, and the scammer hung up," Dean said. "That's how easy it was for this scammer to get me under the ether." Koldjeski added a word of advice to the public: "The FBI urges you to take a beat, never rush into sending money to anyone. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is." Tips for avoiding scams targeting elderly residents Officials offered the following tips to help elderly residents avoid scams: Be skeptical of unexpected phone calls, emails or texts Scammers often create pressure with urgency or emotional manipulation Never send money or give personal details without verifying the source Contact local law enforcement to report scams or suspicious activity. State leaders and AARP will host educational events throughout the week to share tools and strategies for keeping Maryland seniors safe.
