FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 1, 2023

Media Contacts: 
Rebecca Silbernagel │ Department of Disabilities Aging & Independent Living  
802-904-3749 
rebecca.silbernagel@vermont.gov  

Ben Truman │ Vermont Department of Health
802-316-2117 / 802-863-7281
AHS.VDHMedia@vermont.gov  


Share Your Ideas for Making Vermont an Age-Friendly State
Age Strong VT 10-year plan released for public comment

Waterbury, Vt — Vermont’s demographics are changing, with nearly a third of the state’s population now over the age of 60 — a 30% increase over the past decade. This shift presents challenges for how to address the needs of an aging population in a small state. To help ensure Vermont heads into the second half of the 21st Century as a healthy place to live, work, play, and grow older, state officials are asking the public to comment on a new 10-year action plan called Age Strong Vermont.

“Age-friendly communities, programs and systems benefit people at all ages and stages of life,” said Health Commissioner Mark Levine, MD. “I hope that people from across the state will share their unique perspectives. It’s with this input that we can build an enduring framework for the health and wellbeing of all people in Vermont.”

According to a poll conducted earlier this year by the University of Vermont’s Center for Rural Studies, 64% of people in Vermont are concerned that the state does not have adequate resources to address the needs of our older population as it continues to grow. What will it take to ensure all Vermonters regardless of background have the opportunity for financial security, health and wellness, social connection, housing, transportation and more?

Age Strong VT is intended to serve as a roadmap for building an age-friendly state – a place that is welcoming, inclusive and livable for all. State and local policy makers, and others, including businesses, social service and non-profit organizations, and healthcare planners will be able to draw from the action plan to develop and implement policies and infrastructure that will support Vermont’s aging population over the long-term.

“This plan lays out a strong foundation for Vermont’s future,” said Commissioner Monica White, of the Department of Disabilities, Aging and Independent Living. “At every level, this will be a valuable resource for reimagining what it means to grow old in Vermont, and what it means to build communities and systems that support aging well. I hope many people will read the plan and share their feedback.”

View the Age Strong VT Draft Plan, and learn more at HealthVermont.gov/AgeStrongVT.

People can send their comments via mail or online by November 30:

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About the Department of Disabilities, Aging & Independent Living (DAIL):
Our mission is to make Vermont the best state in which to grow old or to live with a disability - with dignity, respect and independence.
DAIL.vermont.gov 
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About the Department of Health
We have been the state's public health agency for more than 130 years, working every day to protect and promote the health of Vermonters.

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