Discussing the challenges and opportunities to tackle aging issues

By Staff Blogger/ January, 2018

As more and more of us are living longer, there are increased opportunities and challenges that each community needs to plan for. Here in Orange County, our population is growing older faster than the national average. According to U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Orange County residents age 65 and older will more than double in the next 35 years.

These statistics show the need to brainstorm and implement ideas to build communities that support the daily needs of senior population in areas such as housing, transportation, and managing personal health. American Society on Aging (ASA) provides such a platform for those working with, and on behalf of, older adults.

ASA’s Aging in America Conference is the nation’s largest and most dynamic multidisciplinary annual event. The event is known for its comprehensive view of the issues, challenges, and opportunities in aging. Nearly 3,000 health professionals working to improve the lives of older adults gather to connect with peers, refresh knowledge and gain new perspectives.

Alzheimer’s Orange County’s CEO Jim McAleer and the Orange County Strategic Plan for Aging (OCSPA) Executive Director Christine Chow will be presenting on the Orange County Strategic Plan for Aging initiative at this year’s American Society on Aging (ASA) Conference in San Francisco on March 29th.

Two years ago, Jim visualized and launched OCSPA after recognizing the growing gap in Orange County between the aging population and the funding available to help our community’s older adults live safely and comfortably. Since then, OCSPA has identified 10 key initiatives to improve the lives of older adults in Orange County, and has recruited the local government, 18 cities, nonprofits, funders, academic institutions, and local businesses to form work groups that tackle each pillar.

In the 60-minute workshop, Jim and Christine will talk about the unique approaches to navigating political support, engaging cities and utilizing shared funding strategies. By the end of this presentation, attendees will be able to identify opportunities and challenges of bringing together diverse stakeholders in regional efforts, use the OCSPA Model to establish regional collaborative efforts, and analyze and evaluate barriers to collaboration and effective ways to navigate those barriers.

Aging in America (AiA) conference will take place from March 26-29 at Hilton San Francisco Union Square. Browse the 2018 Aging in America Conference Announcement – a 48-page publication that includes all the programs, sessions and networking events taking place at the conference.

Events like AiA conference will definitely help us prepare for the growing number of older adults and their needs.

To learn more about the Orange County Strategic Plan for Aging, visit www.ocagingplan.org

Register here for Aging in America conference by January 31st to avoid higher rates!