We Stand With Seniors Applauds Governor Newsom for Prioritizing the Needs of California's Aging Population in State of the State Address

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 12, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- We Stand With Seniors, the nonprofit, nonpartisan effort focused on educating state leaders about the need for a statewide, comprehensive Master Plan for Aging, commends Governor Gavin Newsom for being the first governor in recent history to address California's aging population and the associated socioeconomic challenges.

"Let's talk about something we too often overlook. The Golden State is getting grayer. We need to get ready for a major demographic challenge headed our way. For the first time in history, older Californians will outnumber young children. Over the next decade, our statewide senior population will increase by 4 million. In 25 years, it will double. And more than half will require some form of long-term care… It is time for a new Master Plan on Aging. We've deferred it for far too long. It must address person-centered care, the patchwork of public services, social isolation, bed-locked seniors in need of transportation, the nursing shortage and demand for In-Home Supportive Services that far outpaces its capacity."

— Governor Gavin Newsom, 2019 State of the State Address

"Governor Newsom today showed he will truly stand with seniors by making good on a campaign promise to develop and implement a comprehensive and long-term plan that addresses the important healthcare, social and caregiving needs of the state's growing population of older adults," said Shelley Lyford, president and CEO West Health. "We look forward to immediately working with the governor and his administration on the development of this Master Plan for Aging and making successful aging a reality for all California seniors."

In 2018, nonprofits West Health and The SCAN Foundation launched the nonpartisan, public awareness and education campaign, We Stand With Seniors, to educate policymakers about the need for a statewide, comprehensive Master Plan for Aging to address the challenges associated with the state's rapidly aging population.

"For too long, the needs of California's older adults, families and caregivers have been compromised by California's scattershot approach of fragmented services," said Bruce Chernof, president and CEO of The SCAN Foundation. "We view Governor Newsom's commitment in today's State of the State address as a catalyst for the state to undergo significant policy planning and changes so that older Californians can truly live with dignity and independence."

The governor's announcement, coupled with legislation introduced last week by Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), is critical to addressing the care and support service needs of older Californians.

"I was pleased to see Governor Newsom recognize the issues facing California's older adults in his State of the State today," said Senator Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara). "I look forward to working with him on a Master Plan for Aging through my Senate Bill 228 to address these challenges in a thoughtful and collaborative way. California must not leave our aging loved ones behind."

About We Stand With Seniors
West Health and The SCAN Foundation's We Stand With Seniors… Will You? nonpartisan, public awareness and education campaign focuses on the specific challenges seniors and their families face in accessing high-quality, affordable healthcare, dental care and supportive services and the cost to the state if these challenges are not addressed. Keep up with #StandWithSeniors by visiting www.WeStandWithSeniors.org and following on Facebook @WeStandWithSeniors and Twitter @WeStandWSeniors.

SOURCE We Stand With Seniors

Related Links

https://www.westandwithseniors.org