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Alliance Update: The NYS Department of Health’s lead on the developing Master Plan for Aging Adam Herbst is emphasizing that the plan “is addressing isolation and aging in place, health prevention, workforce, supporting formal and informal caregivers, consumer rights and protection, technology access and internet, housing and transportation. There are so many things that we need to combine that go well beyond healthy living and is “not just for people over the age of 65. We want to build a state where it’s friendly for us to age throughout life — aging is not just where you hit a milestone or a specific number.” See below…

 

Q&A: DOH Aging Head On Building A Master Plan That’s Not Just For People 65+

���������’s Health Pulse  January 9, 2024

 

More than a year since Gov. Kathy Hochul signed an executive order mandating the state develop a , state officials have hosted town halls, conducted surveys of aging ����������ers and released preliminary reports outlining their approach to the upcoming policy proposal.

The Master Plan for Aging is the state’s attempt to make ���������� an “age-friendly” place. Adam Herbst, the DOH deputy commissioner for aging and long-term care, is chairing the multi-agency effort, which will include proposals around health care, housing, transportation, employment and more. The state’s goal is to adopt the plan in 2025. Herbst spoke to ���������’s about progress on the master plan, and what to expect before the state releases its initial draft in the coming weeks. 

What do you envision as the goal of the Master Plan for Aging?
The governor realizes that demographically, the state of ���������� is going to be very different 10 years from now: One out of every four ����������ers will be considered an older adult. From a demographic perspective, that’s a seismic shift that will change every aspect of our lives, from the structures of our families and communities to the drivers of our state’s economy. As our state ages, we’re going to see new challenges. We’re going to see more people staying in the workforce longer. We’re going to see more people living alone and social isolation really growing. And unfortunately, too many of us enjoying less economic security than in decades past. Those trends and challenges all are going to present unique opportunities for the state to have a significant response.

The health department has a large role in addressing issues for aging ����������ers. But which other stakeholders are integral to developing this plan?
DOH is involved with our partners in the State Office for the Aging and the 19 other state agencies that fall under the governor. That includes OPWDD, OMH, Veterans Affairs, tax, DOB – every state agency that rolls up to the governor is involved and plays a critical role as a member of the MPA. We’ve combined the government with experts in the private sector, and that is why we are getting so much beyond health care. We talk about isolation and aging in place, health prevention, workforce, supporting formal and informal caregivers, consumer rights and protection, technology access and internet, housing and transportation. There are so many things that we need to combine that go well beyond healthy living and what the Department of Health can bring to the table.

What are some ideas the state is considering to benefit caregivers — both informal caregivers such as family members as well as the home care workforce?
There’s the idea of a paid workforce — we can talk about what we’ve done in the last year to shore up our workforce in the state, and that goes beyond the MPA. This year’s budget will continue to focus on the paid workforce. It’s that unpaid workforce which is so important — to make sure that those people are also recognized. How do we quantify who is an unpaid caregiver? How do we quantify who has to miss work for six weeks because they have to care for their grandfather, sister, a loved one, spouse or child? There are so many elements to what we are learning in some of these surveys and conversations with the public. We’re always looking at how Medicaid can play a role with different services and supports.

What are some of the challenges of managing the development of the MPA?
The composition of this plan includes areas and state agencies that require experts beyond what I’m familiar with. We’ve had a lot of commissions in the state of ����������; but not one like this where it goes so far beyond just one area, like health, aging or disability. Take one of these ideas like preventing social isolation, which is an epidemic in its own right. I’ve learned, as a part of the conversation, that we need to find new ways to detect it and programs to engage people who are currently falling into the gaps. A lot of that, I didn’t have expertise in.

How do you hope to further engage the public in the MPA?
I believe, personally, that the only way we can build an age-friendly ���������� that all of us deserve is through this master plan. And the only way it can be successful is if everyone is aware of what we’re trying to do, and appreciates that they have a role to play. It’s not just for people over the age of 65. We want to build a state where it’s friendly for us to age throughout life — aging is not just where you hit a milestone or a specific number.
Interview by Amanda D’Ambrosio