KAYSVILLE—Last fall, Gov. Spencer Cox laid out his plans for his second term and what he’s going to focus on. One area of focus is on older adults through his initiative called Aging With a WISE Purpose, four pillars for aging well: Wealth, Independence, Security and Engagement.

“These pillars deal with older adults and how the state can better prepare for the future,” said Nels Holmgren, Division of Aging and Adult Services director. “Utah is the youngest state in the nation but also has one of the fastest growing senior populations as well.”

When the governor released his budget he requested the legislature look at aging in all areas, he said. “The Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) has been tasked with developing a 10-year plan on aging. It started with listening sessions across the state.”

 Holmgren said what they’re looking for from the sessions is to get feedback from older Utahns about their concerns. “This will help us to know where to place our focus and give information to policy makers and leaders to try and get an overall picture of what’s working well and where the needs are.”

So far, the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has held four listening sessions with four more coming up, he said. “They’ve been very successful. We’ve had a few hundred participate.”

The main concern was transportation, said Holmgren. “Housing is on their mind, accessibility and affordability. Also security and scams that prey on seniors. Access to medical care – physically being able to access medical services. Caregiving needs that may not be satisfied by the family. These are on many of their minds both in rural areas and in cities.”

The DHHS is also in the process of developing some work groups to get a cross section of what the needs are in the state, he said. “We can use the groups to develop some concepts for a plan. The work group effort will start this summer into fall. From that feedback we’ll be tasked to find solutions and ideas for actually dealing with things.”

“Our aging population has given so much to our communities and it’s time to return the favor by helping them age with dignity and independence,” said Cox. “These listening sessions are an important step in building a thoughtful and responsive plan for the future.”

The Davis County Health Department Senior Services has a lot to offer, said Holmgren. “They have a host of services for older adults. We want them to be safe, healthy and independent so they can stay in their own homes as long as possible and do the things they want to do.”

For more information about WISE and listening session dates visit https://daas.utah.gov/.