By Michael V. Cusenza
Governor Kathy Hochul on Sunday visited Catholic Charities Peter J. DellaMonica Older Adult Center in Astoria to highlight the State’s First Master Plan for Aging.
In June, Hochul released the final report for the plan. It contained more than 100 proposals directed towards all levels of government, the social sector and private enterprise, all with the aim of helping individuals age.
New York has the fourth-largest population of older adults in the U.S., with 3.2 million individuals – about 16 percent of the population—over age 65. The state’s population of those over the age of 60 is projected to grow to 5.3 million by 2030, with those over 80 years of age exceeding 1.2 million – growing faster than any other age group in some areas of the state. By 2030, older adults will make up 25 to 30 percent of the population in most New York counties.
“Every New Yorker should be able to age with dignity and independence,” Hochul said. “The Master Plan for Aging builds on our ongoing efforts to empower older adults and advance New York’s status as an age-friendly state. I thank the hundreds of stakeholders, state agency staff and partners who worked to develop these proposals and look forward to reviewing the report.”
Hundreds of stakeholders participated in a process of MPA workgroups to develop the MPA Final Report proposals. Organized into eight subcommittees and over 34 workgroups, the stakeholders coalesced around nine pillars, which are:
- Affordability of Basic Necessities
- Informal Caregiver and Workforce Support and Modernization of Community-Based Aging Network Service
- Modernization and Financial Sustainability of Healthcare, Residential Facilities and Community-Based Aging Network Service Providers
- Prevention, Wellness Promotion and Access
- Housing Access and Community Development
- Access to Services in and Engagement with Historically Underserved Communities
- Social Engagement of Older Adults
- Combating Elder Abuse, Ageism, Ableism and Stigma
- Technology Access and Development
The MPA process is already having an impact, according to Hochul. The Fiscal Year 2026 Enacted State Budget includes $45 million in additional funds to expand community-based aging services offered through Area Agencies on Aging—a critical priority identified by the MPA. This funding, according to the governor, will help to reduce waiting lists for services such as home-delivered meals, assistance from personal care aides for activities of daily living, transportation assistance, home adaptations, case management to assist with person-centered resources, and other community-based supports.
“The final Master Plan for Aging is a true triumph of collective problem-solving. Under the vision of Gov. Hochul, the MPA has brought together hundreds of the brightest and most accomplished minds from diverse fields and sectors – all contributing their talent to create this historic roadmap for an age-friendly New York,” said State Office for the Aging Director Greg Olsen. “The Master Plan for Aging outlines over 100 proposals, each holding the promise to make a real difference in the lives of individuals as they age. Just as importantly, this document assesses the potential challenges, opportunities and pathways for action on each proposal, making it both visionary and practical.”
