Today, ACL published WHAT WE HEARD: Initial Feedback on the Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging, which summarizes input received to date that will inform the development of a national plan on aging.
The report includes feedback on Aging in the United States: A Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging. Published this spring, the Strategic Framework lays the groundwork for a coordinated effort — across the private and public sectors and in partnership with older adults, family caregivers, the aging services network, and other stakeholders — to create a national set of recommendations for advancing healthy aging and age-friendly communities that value and truly include older adults.
Since then, the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities (ICC) has been collecting feedback on the Strategic Framework, along with other input, to ensure the national plan focuses on the most important issues and addresses them in a way that will meet the needs of older adults.
Input has come from a wide variety of people — including older adults themselves — and organizations from communities across the country. People have shared their thoughts through in-person and virtual events, a national poll conducted through Gallup, and an online portal.
ACL created this report to share what we have heard so far. It describes some of the common themes that are beginning to emerge from the experiences, insights, and recommendations that have been shared, with a goal of sparking ongoing discussion. It includes input on factors that influence the aging experience, such as affordable and accessible housing; aligned health care and supportive services; accessible communities; age-friendly workplaces; and sufficient, high-quality long-term services and supports.
This report is a snapshot in time — and it is only the beginning. We are continuing to receive comments through an online portal, and we are continuing to create opportunities for people to tell us what they believe are the greatest needs and the actions they think would help address them.