Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of joining Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Maryland Secretary of Commerce Harry Coker to present on the Economics of Aging at the Maryland Philanthropy Network’s Aging Summit.

In exploring the longevity economy, it’s essential to take a BOTH/AND approach to its impact on individuals and society. Living longer presents BOTH challenges AND opportunities.

Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM), our state's multisector plan for aging, plays a pivotal role in ensuring our state fully capitalizes on the benefits of longer lives while also addressing the challenges.

Longevity brings unique challenges—longer-than-expected lifespans may deplete resources and contribute to increased economic hardship among older adults. AND older Marylanders are vital to economic sustainability, driving growth, innovation, and community vitality. 

Today, Maryland’s 50+ population makes up 37% of the state, and by 2030, they will support 1.7 million jobs, comprising 36% of the workforce. By 2050, people 50+ will drive nearly 43% of Maryland’s GDP and account for 60% of all consumer spending.

Embracing longevity readiness through LRM ensures that Maryland’s older residents thrive—BOTH supporting those most in need today, AND planning strategically for the future. Through thoughtful policies and investments, we can harness the power of longevity so all Marylanders live healthy, financially secure, socially connected, and purposeful lives. Learn more about LRM at LRM.Maryland.Gov.

From left: MDOA Sec. Carmel Roques, Senator Angela Alsobrooks, Montgomery County Aging & Disability Services Division Chief Dr. Patrice McGhee, and Montgomery County Health and Human Services Director Dr. James Bridgers at a grassroots engagement event at Leisure World in Montgomery County on recent federal actions and Maryland's initiatives to safeguard older adults.

In honor of May's celebration of Older Americans Month, Gov. Moore has proclaimed May Older Marylanders Month to highlight the tremendous value older adults offer to the Maryland social and economic landscape. 

This year's theme, “Flip the Script on Aging,” encourages us to challenge outdated stereotypes and embrace the many opportunities that come with growing older.​ 

"Eliminating age-related bias is vital to fostering a society that values people of all ages, ensuring Marylanders are treated with the respect, dignity, and equality they deserve, and dismantling misconceptions that limit opportunities and perpetuate discrimination," Gov. Moore states in the proclamation. Click here to read the full proclamation.

Find Older Marylanders Month events in your area, and learn more about how you can be involved at Aging.Maryland.Gov.

MDOA is excited to announce a competitive funding opportunity advancing aging-in-place initiatives that empower older adults to maintain their health, financial stability, social connections, and sense of purpose within their homes and communities.

With nearly one in four Marylanders expected to be 60 or older by 2030, expanding innovative programs that support older adults to live independently and enjoy a high quality of life is a priority of LRM.

A total of $220,000 will be awarded to Villages, nonprofit organizations, and Area Agencies on Aging. MDOA is accepting applications through June 9, 2025. Visit Aging.Maryland.Gov to apply.

MDOA's Supportive Communities Manager Chelsea Wheeler joined American Society on Aging (ASA) Rise Alumni at this year's ASA Conference in Orlando to present on LRM and MDOA's aging-in-place funding initiatives. Pictured from left: Zeena Regis, Cristina Diaz, Makeiya Kamara, Nadia Murphy, Charlie Markum, Stacy Subuida, and Chelsea Wheeler

As older adults live and work longer, the concept of aging is undergoing a significant transformation. A new documentary Aging in America: Survive or Thrive explores how society is adapting to this demographic shift, encouraging us to embrace aging as a dynamic stage of life rather than a challenge to overcome.

The film sheds light on a crucial demographic milestone: Americans aged 65 and older now outnumber those under 18, necessitating changes in social and economic institutions—a perspective echoed by LRM. Like the documentary, LRM underscores the urgency of policies that support older adults, caregivers, and families in employment, health care, and daily life. Visit LRM.Maryland.Gov to learn more about our state's multisector plan for aging.

You can stream the documentary on PBS throughout May at https://www.pbs.org/show/aging-in-america-survive-or-thrive/. To watch on your PBS stations, check your local listings.

Aging in America: Survive or Thrive celebrates the promise of increased longevity while addressing crucial and unprecedented public policy challenges. The film explores critical topics such as age-related bias, health care, economic insecurity, and Alzheimer’s disease, using Dr. Robert Butler’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book Why Survive? as a guide.

MDOA and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH) are partnering to help individuals transition from long-term care facilities into the community, providing them with the opportunity to live independently while continuing to receive the services and support they need at home.

MDH will refer people currently on their Community Options Waiver Registry to Maryland Access Point (MAP), administered by MDOA. MAP counselors will then provide information about home- and community-based services available through the Medicaid waiver program to assist them with transitioning from a nursing home to community-based living.

“We want to empower individuals with greater independence and choice, a priority of LRM,” said MDOA Long-Term Services Director Amanda Distefano. “This is also a great example of LRM's all-of-government approach, working together to better serve Marylanders.”

In addition to assisting Marylanders on the Community Options Waiver Registry, MAP counselors conduct Level One Screening to determine if residents living at home are eligible for HCBS support. To learn more about MAP and Medicaid waiver programs, visit marylandaccesspoint.211md.org or call 1-844-627-5465.

Be on the lookout! Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is seeing an increase in reports from Medicare beneficiaries about charges on Medicare Summary Notices for services or supplies that were never received. These could be errors or outright fraud, and it’s crucial to report them. Take action to safeguard your benefits:

• Track and Compare: Keep a log of your medical appointments and check it against your Medicare Summary Notices and Explanation of Benefits for any charges that don’t look right. Contact your local SMP to request a My Health Care Tracker to help you keep a log.
• Protect your Medicare Card: Treat your Medicare number with the same caution as a credit card number.
• Beware of Callers who Ask for Your Medicare Number: Medicare will never call and ask for your Medicare number over the phone unless you requested that they call you first.

Found a suspicious charge? SMP is here to help. Visit Aging.Maryland.Gov/SMP to contact your local SMP office.

Howard County Office on Aging and Independence Recognized for Older Americans Month Campaign

Congratulations to Howard County's Office on Aging and Independence (OAI) which was recently recognized by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals for its Older Americans Month marketing campaign!

Howard County's OAI received a prestigious international Platinum Hermes Creative Award for their "OAI Showcase: The Art of Healthy Aging". They also received a Gold Hermes Creative Award for their "Aging is Limitless" video. 

The Baltimore County Department of Aging this month released its five-year strategic plan outlining key priorities to ensure the evolving needs of older adults are met. 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.”

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

Maryland Attorney General Announces Click-to-Cancel Rule Takes Full Effect This Month

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued a consumer alert on a Federal Trade Commission rule to take full effect on May 14, 2025 that will make it easier for consumers to go online and cancel recurring subscriptions and memberships.

While the new “Click-to-Cancel” Rule went into effect on January 14, 2025, businesses were given until mid-May to comply with the new rule that establishes a simple way for consumers to cancel subscriptions and memberships, rather than forcing consumers to jump through hoops.

Learn more at www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Press/2025/041525.pdf.

988 Offers Compassionate, Confidential Support for Older Adults in Crisis

Older adults experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide can reach out to 988 for compassionate, confidential support. No one has to face these feelings alone—help is available 24/7. Contacting 988 provides a direct connection for anyone needing support for mental health or substance use, having thoughts of suicide, or being worried about someone who may need crisis support.

Call, text, or chat 9-8-8 to connect with a caring specialist or to access other helpful services. For deaf and hard-of-hearing, call 988 Videophone via ASL Now or visit health.maryland.gov/bha/Pages/988md.aspx.

May 15 - Understanding the Non-Alzheimer's Dementias

The Living Well Center for Excellence hosts its next “Ask the Dementia Expert” Lunch & Learn webinar on May 15th from 12:15-1:00 pm. Dr. Haroon Burhanullah, Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University, will lead a discussion on "Understanding the Non-Alzheimer's Dementias." Aging services professionals, caregivers working with people living with dementia, or anyone interested in matters concerning older adults are invited to attend the free virtual event.

Register at mdlivingwell.org/public-resources/dementia-series/

May 20 - MGA Conference: Redefining Aging for the Next Generation

The Maryland Gerontological Association (MGA) hosts its 40th Annual conference on May 20th at the Maritime Conference Center in Linthicum, MD. This year's event features opening remarks from Sec. Roques, followed by a keynote presentation from Bianca Wise, Owner and Founder of Home Helpers Home Care, on "Redefining Aging for the Next Generation."

Click here to view the full agenda or register.

May 21 - Public Forum on Supporting Family Caregivers

The Montgomery County Commission on Aging holds its annual public policy forum on Wednesday, May 21st at the Activity Center at Bohrer Park in Gaithersburg. This year’s event, “Revaluing Care: Building Policies, Programs and Connections to Support Caregiving in Our Community,” will focus on the essential contributions of unpaid caregivers, highlighting the urgent need for policies and programs that provide financial, structural, and social support for caregiving work.

Visit the Eventbrite website to learn more about the event and register.

May 22 - Older Adults, Substance Use, and Suicide

Join expert, Dr. Aaron Steven Barker Weiner, Owner & Founder Bridge Forward Group, LLC, for a free training session on suicide and substance use among older adults. Learn about the rising risks, how mental and physical health intersect in late life, and strategies to support older adults through age-appropriate interventions. Offered in partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Maryland Department of Health Behavioral Health Administration, the virtual webinar takes place on May 22nd from 10:00am - noon.

Register at bit.ly/3Gex2dA.

May 30 - Nourishing Caregivers: Mind, Body, Spirit

The Baltimore County Department of Aging is hosting the 2025 Virtual Spring Mini-Conference, Nourishing Caregivers: Mind, Body, Spirit! The free event will run from 9:00 am - noon on May 30th and will feature presentations on "Managing Caregiver Stress While Prioritizing Mental Health," "Nutritional Support for Caregivers," and "Finding Joy in Caregiving."

Register for the Webex event at Wufoo.  

June 7 - Memory Loss: It's a Family Affair

The 2025 Holistic Health Seminar, "Memory Loss: It's a Family Affair," is a free conference for residents, caregivers, family members, and health professionals in the Greater Baltimore area. Topics include disease management & brain health, the role of geriatricians in supporting patients & caregivers, and strategies for resilient caregiving.

Register online at tinyurl.com/MACAB2025 or call 410-550-2281.

June 12 - Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Support for Dementia

Dementia Friendly Baltimore County hosts the second session of its virtual educational series, "Journey to Clarity: Seeking Evaluation, Diagnosis, and Support for Dementia," on June 12, 2025 from 11a.m. - 12:30p.m. A recording of the first session, "Understanding Memory Changes: Normal Aging vs. Dementia," is available on the Baltimore County Department of Aging YouTube Channel. Monthly sessions continue on the second Thursday of every month through October.

Register at bcwebservices.wufoo.com/forms/living-with-dementia-roadmap-series/ or call 410-887-2002.

MDOA was filled with laughter, curiosity, and eager minds of tomorrow’s leaders during Bring Your Child to Work Day! Sec. Roques enjoyed sharing our mission with the next generation — chatting about the importance of community, compassion, and the meaningful work that improves lives of Marylanders. At the end of the day, one child asked, “Do we have to wait a whole year to come back again?”