In a bold move to address the needs of Maryland’s aging population, Governor Wes Moore launched Longevity Ready Maryland, the state’s first comprehensive 10-year plan to coordinate services and policies for older adults. Announced in Annapolis, the initiative responds to looming federal cuts to programs like Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and SNAP, which threaten the security of older Marylanders, including those in Southern Maryland. Longevity Ready Maryland aims to consolidate resources and foster collaboration across state agencies, businesses, and communities to ensure sustainable support for the state’s 1.4 million residents over age 60.
“While some in Washington threaten to pull the rug out from under our residents, placing greater strain on state resources, Maryland is stepping forward with urgency and a clear plan to put the well-being of older Marylanders front and center,” said Gov. Moore. The Longevity Ready Maryland plan emphasizes resilience, coordinating efforts to maximize resources as federal support wanes.
The Maryland Department of Aging, led by Secretary Carmel Roques, spearheads Longevity Ready Maryland. “With Maryland’s older population growing faster than the national average, we are meeting this moment with a bold and innovative plan,” Roques said. “Born from a two-year, ground-up effort, this plan reflects the voices of older adults, caregivers, and community leaders from every corner of our state.” The initiative addresses urgent challenges like rising caregiving needs, dementia rates, affordable housing shortages, and increasing healthcare costs, particularly for the 127,000 older Marylanders relying on SNAP and 109,000 on Medicaid for essential services.
Longevity Ready Maryland builds on existing efforts while introducing new programs. The state is modernizing Maryland Access Point, a referral network for older adults and caregivers, and launching a statewide dementia navigation program to support screenings and services through local Area Agencies on Aging, including those in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties. Other initiatives include expanding home modification services for rural seniors, streamlining benefits access through the Maryland Benefits One Application, and enhancing holistic care via the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. These efforts aim to help older Marylanders remain healthy and independent in their communities.
The growing population of older adults, projected to represent 26% of Maryland’s population by 2030, contributes significantly to local economies and community life. However, federal cuts to programs like the low-income home energy assistance program and housing initiatives disproportionately affect seniors on fixed incomes, increasing pressure on state resources. Longevity Ready Maryland mitigates these challenges by fostering partnerships and improving service delivery, ensuring Southern Maryland’s seniors have access to vital support.
A dedicated website, LRM.Maryland.gov, provides resources, guidance, and the full Longevity Ready Maryland plan, encouraging stakeholder participation. For Southern Maryland residents, the plan aligns with local needs, from rural St. Mary’s County to growing Charles County, offering a roadmap for a future where older adults thrive. As Governor Moore’s administration moves forward, Longevity Ready Maryland sets a national example for proactive aging policy, prioritizing health, financial security, and social connection for all Marylanders.