Vermont’s older population is growing. One in three Vermonters will be over the age of 60 by the end of the decade. It’s no secret – we are living longer.
How do we help our aging community embrace change with confidence, regardless of the challenges they face? No matter age, circumstances, socioeconomic status, educational level – how do we support aging well? To meet current and future program and infrastructure needs, the State of Vermont created an action plan called Age Strong Vermont.
What is Age Strong Vermont?
The Age Strong Vermont plan serves as a 10-year roadmap plan for state agencies and lawmakers, business owners, social service agencies, town and city planners, and the healthcare industry, to guide the development of a coordinated and efficient system of services for older adults. The Age Strong Vermont plan seeks to enhance and secure the right for all Vermonters to age safely and happily, with dignity and respect.
The Age Strong VT plan is based on eight principles for aging well, outlined in the Older Vermonters Act, a statue passed in 2020 to guide the development of policies and initiatives related to aging in Vermont. The principles, summarized in the Age Strong Vermont plan, include:
- Financial Security – older adults should have the opportunity to work at a fair wage, without discrimination. Alternatively, older adults should be able to retire without fear of poverty and isolation.
- Optimal Health and Wellness – older adults should have access to coordinated, competent, and high-quality care and other resources related to wellbeing without discrimination.
- Social Connection and Engagement – older adults should be free from social isolation and have access to affordable opportunities within their communities for social connection.
- Housing, Transportation, and Community Design – Communities should be affordable, accessible, and developed to support the health, safety, and independence of older adults.
- Family Caregiver Support – Family caregivers are integral to the health and wellbeing of older adults. Caregivers should have efficient, coordinated, and affordable access to education, training, counseling, respite, and support.
- Self-Determination – Older adults should actively participate in decisions that impact their lives and maintain the right to accept or refuse any services offered to them.
- Safety and Protection – Older adults should be able to live in safe and secure communities, and to be free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
- Coordinated and Efficient Systems of Services – Older adults should have access to a coordinated, equitable, and efficient system of services, support, and protections.
Through a cross-sector, multi-agency approach, the Age Strong Vermont plan details how different organizations, agencies, and industries can drive connection and collaboration to adhere to the principles outlined by the Older Vermonters Act. Beyond the principles, Age Strong Vermont calls to end ageism and advance Governor Scott’s priorities to expand the workforce, build dynamic and adaptable communities, and ensure that our State government is working for all Vermonters.
How will the Age Strong Vermont plan support my future?
Led by the Department of Disabilities, Aging, and Independent Living (DAIL) and the Department of Health, the Age Strong VT plan was developed in cooperation with community partners, including Age Well, as well as various organizations across the public and private sectors. How does the Age Strong Vermont plan differ from other State plans related to aging? Formerly known as the Vermont Plan for Aging Well, Age Strong Vermont features a comprehensive approach that seeks to bring Vermonters together, ensuring that older adults have the opportunity to contribute their time, wisdom, talents, and skills to our communities to address a wide range of changing needs—such as housing, healthcare, transportation, caregiving, access to healthy food, education, and employment.
A variety of agencies and organizations have already started initiatives to support the Age Strong Vermont Plan. For example, to help reach the goals of Age Strong VT, the State of Vermont has developed an Age Friendly Housing plan. The University of Vermont has joined the Age-Friendly University Global Network, an initiative seeking to connect students of all ages with a wide range of educational and social benefits. The Vermont Food Bank offers the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), a federal nutrition program that can help improve the diet and health of eligible older adults. Central Vermont Council on Aging (CVCOA) has partnered with the Vermont Arts Council to start a Creative Aging initiative, which connects older Vermonters with resources for artistic expression and social engagement. Senior Solutions provides individuals with Creative Aging Classes, through their partnership with Main Street Arts. Both Senior Solutions and Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA) participate in the Locally Yours initiative, a 15-week CSA program that provides older Vermonters (in the Senior Solutions & SVCOA service areas) with farm fresh produce.
How does Age Well support the Age Strong Vermont plan?
To learn more about how Age Well supports the Age Strong Vermont plan, consider viewing our 2023 Impact Report, or our 2022-2025 Area Plan. Age Well supports older Vermonters by providing a wide variety of programs, ranging from Meals on Wheels delivery services to community wellness classes, caregiver support, case management, health insurance counseling, Veteran’s Directed Care, and so much more. For more information about the services Age Well provides, call the Helpline: 1-800-642-5119. Explore our website to learn about the vast array of opportunities we provide for older Vermonters, their families, and caregivers.
Images, from right to left: Caregiver Art Event, MVP Striders at the Green Mountain Audubon Center, Winooski Community Meal Event
To fulfill the goals outlined by Age Strong Vermont, we must continue to work as a community to enhance the health and well-being of our aging population by leveraging partnerships and creating inclusive, safe, and supportive environments that encourage physical activity, healthy nutrition, social interaction, and engagement; to promote independence, self-management, connectivity, and a continuing sense of purpose.
To see the action plan and for more information, visit HealthVermont.gov/AgeStrongVT.
