Aging 2020: Arizona’s Plan for an Aging Population - Partners for Livable Communities

Arizona

A comprehensive state effort to prepare Arizona for its aging population.

Nuts and Bolts:

In 2004, an executive order of the governor called for Aging 2020: Arizona’s Plan for an Aging Population.
An Aging Summit was convened to obtain the views of the public in May of 2004.
State agencies were then required to draft plans by the following September, based on the concerns raised at the Summit.
After the draft plans were completed, community leaders convened in forty forums throughout Arizona to obtain recommendations from the public to be incorporated into the plans.

Successes:

The Aging 2020 plan will incorporate strategies to create communities where persons of all ages, with and without disabilities, can live meaningful, productive, healthy independent lives.
Adequate and appropriate options for community living, and the ability to choose and direct one’s own care, will be the standard approach in aging services by the year 2020.
Aging 2020 will acknowledge Arizona’s regional differences, be attentive to rural, urban,and suburban needs, and take a multidisciplinary approach to change.