SCRANTON, PA — While visiting Northeast PA last week, Gov. Josh Shapiro signed the fifth executive order of his five-month-old administration. This newest one directs the PA Department of Aging to develop a so-called “master plan”—a decade-long roadmap aimed at improving the services available to older Pennsylvanians and overhauling the infrastructure so that accessing those services comes more easily to older adults.

PA is home to the fifth largest elderly community in the United States, more than three million seniors. That population is projected to grow rapidly over the next 10 years.

Many of those older adults live in Northeast PA. More than 32 percent of Wayne County residents is aged 60 and older. In Pike County, the senior population increased by nearly 50 percent between 2010 and 2021, making it the fastest growing demographic in the county.

Aside from expanding and improving programs, the Department of Aging is also embarking on a loftier goal: reframing how older adults and people with disabilities are thought about, talked about and valued.

The department says it will achieve this by incorporating the input and insight of the seniors, who have been called on to help guide the direction and priorities of the master plan.

During his visit in Scranton, Shapiro said that this 10-year plan will help seniors age in place. He also reiterated his support for expanding the state’s property tax/rent rebate program, one of several state programs paid for by the lottery.

“I’ve heard firsthand from seniors who told me we need to do more to help them stay in their homes, tackle rising costs and have a high quality of life, and they deserve our full support,” Shapiro said. “My administration is making a long-term commitment to our seniors with this master plan and my commonsense proposal to expand the property tax/rent rebate program, which will put more money back in more Pennsylvanians’ pockets. Together, we’re going to continue delivering results and help our seniors receive the support they need in order to age with dignity.”

Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich joined the governor when he signed this order, and called it a “monumental” step toward understanding and meeting the needs of this large and growing population. Kavulich will soon begin traveling the state on a “regional listening tour.” On his way, he’ll promote the master plan and talk with the state’s seniors to learn about what services are most critical in their everyday lives.

“This master plan for aging will be crafted by Pennsylvanians, for Pennsylvanians,” he said. “We are committed to ensuring the voices of older adults are heard in every component of this plan. Our next priority is visiting the communities we serve to make sure those Pennsylvanians who want to be heard know their opinions, thoughts and priorities are reflected in this strategic initiative.”

Area Agencies on Aging throughout the commonwealth will also host listening sessions where the public can learn more about the incoming plan and provide their own input as well.

Residents who want to participate in developing this plan can submit their thoughts by email to AgingPlan@pa.gov and by mail to: Pennsylvania Department of Aging, c/o Master Plan, 555 Walnut Street, 5th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101.

The master plan is scheduled to be completed by February of next year.

This story is part of a series on elder abuse that will continue through the month of June. Stay tuned for future stories at www.riverreporter.com.