Maryland Department Of Aging Launches Longevity Ready Maryland Work Groups

The Maryland Department of Aging has launched its Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM) stakeholder work groups, which will meet over the next few months to develop actionable, evidence-based recommendations to inform Maryland’s multisector plan for aging.

When Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order directing the department to develop the LRM initiative, Maryland joined several other states that recognize the need to implement robust plans to prepare for longer and healthier lives.

“The north star for the Maryland Department of Aging is to ensure all older adults lead lives that are healthy, financially secure, socially connected, and purposeful,” said Department of Aging Secretary Carmel Roques. “The Longevity Ready Maryland plan will set the strategic direction for government, private and nonprofit sectors to positively transform norms, systems, programs and services to build a thriving aging society.”

LRM stakeholder work groups will provide essential guidance in preparing Maryland for the challenges and opportunities of a growing population of older adults. In 2000, the 60-and-older population represented 15% of all Marylanders. That percentage grew to 23% by 2020. Looking ahead to 2030, older adults will represent about 26% of the population, reflecting a national trend.

The LRM work groups are made up of about 100 Marylanders representing diverse lived and professional perspectives in the public and private sectors, including aging networks, advocacy organizations, philanthropies, health care and public health sectors. Their coordinated expertise will define measurable objectives and strategies that focus on LRM’s four epic goals:

• Build a longevity ecosystem that connects a network of state and local governments, public and private sectors, and philanthropies to help Maryland prepare for the opportunities and challenges of the changing demographic landscape.
• Promote economic opportunity that supports a multigenerational workforce with opportunities for all — regardless of age and ability — while advancing Maryland’s economic competitiveness.
• Prepare Marylanders to afford longevity by improving economic security and affordability for the 100-year lifespan.
• Optimize health, wellness and mobility by investing in healthier, more purposeful, and active lifestyles for Marylanders of all ages to enjoy longevity and delay dependency.

Once approved, the LRM multisector plan for aging will be implemented over the next 10 years. To help identify needs, anticipate projections and track progress, the department is creating an innovative data dashboard that will provide a spectrum of detailed information that impacts longevity across all Maryland communities. This resource will be available for public viewing within the coming months.

Members of the public are invited to attend live streams or watch recorded videos of the work group meetings, with the opportunity to comment in the chat. By November 15, the work groups will submit their recommendations, which will then be reviewed by a cabinet-level advisory council and compiled into a draft plan.

The department will hold a public comment period on the draft LRM plan in January 2025 to include online and in-person town hall meetings before presenting a final version of the plan to the governor's office. The plan will go into effect in July 2025. Learn more about LRM meetings and planning efforts at lrm.maryland.gov.