Oklahoma Human Services releases its “Aging Our Way Oklahoma” plan to address changing state demographics
For media inquiries, contact:
Samaiyah Islam, Communications Manager
Phone: (405) 982-3235
Email: Samaiyah.Islam@okdhs.org
OKLAHOMA CITY (July 9, 2024) – Oklahoma Human Services is leading a collaborative effort to prepare Oklahomans for an impending — and significant — demographic shift expected in the next 10 years. This week, the agency released its multi-year plan called “Aging Our Way Oklahoma.” It establishes defined actions planned across ten focus areas to help give every older Oklahoman the confidence to live life on their terms.
By 2034 in Oklahoma and across the United States, for the first time ever, the number of people over 60 will outnumber children under 18 – this is a significant demographic shift.
“We need to prepare for how this dramatic change in our state’s population will impact our communities,” said Dr. Deborah Shropshire, Director, Oklahoma Human Services. “We must transform the way public, private and non-profit groups approach priorities for older Oklahomans and the Aging Our Way Oklahoma Plan aims to prepare our communities for the future.”
Oklahoma Human Services began the process to develop the plan by engaging aging advocates and policymakers to serve on working committees. Other states around the country are also engaging in similar efforts to address the national demographic shift.
“Every Oklahoman has a stake in this plan for our shared future, so it was critical to have engagement from professionals, policymakers and citizens,” said Jeromy Buchanan, Director of Community Living, Aging and Protective Services, Oklahoma Human Services. “We sincerely appreciate all those who gave their time and perspective into building this plan — now we need everyone’s help to activate it.”
Input from Oklahomans across the state was sought to build understanding for concerns people have with aging in their communities. The top issues that emerged were financial security, affordable housing, access to aging services, and availability of aging resources. The plan addresses each of these issues and more.
The Aging Our Way Oklahoma Plan also establishes transformational goals, such as:
- Establish methods to identify and track service gaps and unmet needs for Oklahomans.
- Create a toolkit for healthcare and direct care professionals that includes resources and information about the important role of caregivers.
- Collaborate with Oklahoma Managed Care entities to track measures and initiatives that lead to positive outcomes.
Oklahoma Human Services will activate the plan to support older Oklahomans later this year.
About Oklahoma Human Services
Oklahoma Human Services offers help and hope to more than one million Oklahomans each year through a wide range of services and support that promote their safety, independence and wellbeing. Learn more at https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs.html and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
