Department of Aging’s New Strategic Plan Creates Roadmap for Improving Access to Services

TOWSON, MD—In recognition of Older Americans Month – celebrated each May to honor the contributions of older adults and highlight their needs and challenges – Baltimore County Department of Aging Director Heang K. Tan today released the Department’s five-year strategic plan.

The plan will serve as a roadmap for older adult services in Baltimore County, ensuring the evolving needs of older adults are met through various stages. Critical everyday issues such as caregiving, healthy aging, affordable living, and social connections are addressed in the plan.

"Older adults are vital members of our communities, and they deserve programs, resources, and support systems that will help them thrive,” stated Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “The Department of Aging’s new strategic plan presents a bold vision for our county's future that will lay the foundation for a more inclusive and accessible community that seniors can enjoy for years to come.”

By 2030, the population of Baltimore County residents aged 60 and over is projected to exceed 250,000, accounting for one in four residents, with older adults expected to outnumber every other age group. This rapid growth highlights the need for careful evaluation of the experiences of older adults and how Baltimore County services and resources can improve their quality of life in the future.

"We know that our county’s older adult population is growing faster than any other demographic. With this growth comes the opportunity to assess how older adults are currently living and to explore ways to enhance their lives in the future. Our Strategic Plan is the roadmap for improving how older adults are cared for, how they access services and support, and how they can fully engage with their communities to age in place," Klausmeier added.

“After reflecting on what we’ve accomplished, listening to our community, and taking a hard look at where we need to go, I’m proud to share this five-year strategic plan,” said Director Tan. “It lays out five clear priorities to help strengthen the systems and services that support older adults in Baltimore County, and it moves us closer to being a community that’s longevity-ready.”

The goals of the plan are divided into five key priorities:

• Affordable Aging: Ensure older adults have access to cost-effective resources and services that support their health, well-being, and financial stability.
• Caregiver Support: Enhance resources, education, and assistance for caregivers, providing them with the support needed for caring for older adults and/or children.
• Healthy Aging: Prioritize the wellbeing of older adults by promoting healthy aging practices, strengthening mental health support systems, and creating environments that foster social connections to reduce feelings of isolation.
• Communication: Share information effectively and encourage Baltimore County residents to engage with available programs and services.
• Volunteerism: Recruit and train a diverse group of dedicated volunteers, partnering with community organizations to support and enhance the Baltimore County Department of Aging's outreach and service delivery efforts.

The Baltimore County Department of Aging’s full strategic plan can be found here.

The mission of the Baltimore County Department of Aging is to strengthen lives by providing services, programs and connections to resources. For more information on the various programs provided by BCDA, you may contact Maryland Access Point or MAP of Baltimore County at 410-887-2504.