The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Administration for Community Living (ACL), released “Aging in the United States: A Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging” on May 30. Developed by leaders and experts from 16 federal agencies and departments collaborating through the Interagency Coordinating Committee (ICC) on Healthy Aging and Age-Friendly Communities, the report establishes a foundation for a collaborative effort among the private and public sectors, older adults, family caregivers, the aging services network, and other stakeholders. It describes itself as an “the initial step in the development of a national plan on aging to improve the experience of aging in America.”

LeadingAge provided suggestions for the framework and will continue to work with the administration to support and strengthen the plan.

The goal of the framework is to develop national recommendations for promoting healthy aging and creating age-friendly communities that genuinely value and include older adults. Best practices are promoted for service delivery, foster partnerships within and across sectors, and identify solutions to remove barriers to health and independence for older adults.  It also incorporates input from community partners and leaders in the aging services network.

On June 10 at 2 p.m. ET, ACL will host a public webinar to provide an overview of the Strategic Framework, advanced registration is required.