A Multi-Sector Plan for Aging

Toward an Age-Friendly Oregon: A Multi-Sector Plan for Aging

As Oregon's population ages, the need for a comprehensive, coordinated approach to supporting older adults becomes increasingly urgent. By 2030, one in five Americans will be age 65 or older, underscoring the need for enhanced community systems to meet the diverse needs of our growing population. A Multi-Sector Plan for Aging (MPA) presents an opportunity to create a long-term vision for aging well in the state, ensuring that all Oregonians have the choice to choose how they live as they age.

"As Oregon's population ages, it's crucial that our communities and our state proactively prepare for the future. Developing a multisector plan for aging is critical for building an age-friendly state,” said Bandana Shrestha, AARP Oregon State Director. “Every sector will be impacted by the changing demographic. By working together, we can ensure a vibrant and inclusive future for everyone,” added Shrestha.

The AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities supports the work of local, regional and state governments as they prepare for the nation’s changing demographics. Thirteen Oregon communities are part of the network having made a commitment to being more livable for people of all ages, and especially older adults. The age-friendly program framework equips leaders and residents with resources for assessing the needs of residents as they age related to housing and transportation options, access to key services, and opportunities to participate in community activities. Once identified, those needs can be incorporated into an action plan to help prepare for the future.

What is an MPA?

A Multi-Sector Plan is a 10+ year blueprint for restructuring state and local policies and convening a wide range of cross-sector stakeholders to collaboratively work to support aging well for all. MPAs are designed to create a coordinated system of high-quality care and support services that promote healthy aging, independent living, and social engagement, while also addressing issues related to healthcare, housing, transportation, and other social determinants of health.

The successful adoption of MPAs in all other states, including California and Washington, sets a strong precedent for Oregon to follow.

Why Oregon Needs an MPA

Today a 10-year-old child has a 50 percent chance of living to the age of 104 and by 2034, less than 10 years from today, there will be more older adults than children under 18. Oregon exemplifies this trend in a particularly striking way. It is one of the fastest-aging states in the West, with its population aging at a rate faster than the national average. This demographic shift is marked by a growing percentage of people over the age of 65. In 25 of Oregon's 36 counties, residents aged 65 and older now represent more than 25% of the population.

By implementing an MPA, Oregon can foster an age-friendly environment that benefits everyone and prepares the state for the future and the in-progress demographic shift.

Some key advantages include:

• A Coordinated Approach: Bringing together public and private sectors to streamline services, reduce redundancy, and maximize resources.
• Sustainable Solutions: Addressing long-term challenges in housing, healthcare, and economic stability to ensure future generations have the support they need.
• Inclusive Communities: Enhancing accessibility, transportation, and public spaces to support independence and social inclusion.

Five Bold Goals for Aging Well in Oregon

Oregon needs a proactive approach to be prepared to leverage the opportunities and address the opportunities and challenges of our changing demographics. Current challenges include financial strain on individuals and, housing insecurity among older adults, lack of transportation and mobility options, higher prevalence of disability and chronic conditions, inadequate and strained health and long-term care infrastructure including workforce shortages such as what we are experiencing today.

At AARP’s 2023 Age-Friendly Oregon Summit, community members, policymakers, and important stakeholders provided insightful feedback on the issues facing Oregonians. They expressed a strong desire for a more integrated approach to addressing the aging of our state and offered input and strategies on developing the MPA around top five priority areas:

• Economic Security: Many older Oregonians rely on Social Security and face financial insecurity. Expanding workforce opportunities, financial education, and small business support for older adults can enhance economic vitality.
• Workforce Development: Age discrimination, lack of flexible work options, and digital literacy gaps hinder older adults from contributing to the workforce. Policies promoting hiring incentives and training programs can make workplaces more age-inclusive.
• Housing Stability: Rising housing costs and a lack of accessible, affordable options make it difficult for older adults to age in place. Policies that encourage middle housing, accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and home-sharing can help address these challenges.
• Caregiving and Support Services: The demand for caregiving continues to grow, yet family caregivers often struggle with financial and emotional burdens. Investing in paid caregiver programs, respite services, and workplace accommodations can provide much-needed relief.
• Health and Wellness: Healthcare access, transportation, and social engagement are crucial to well-being. Strengthening community health services, expanding telehealth, and promoting wellness programs can improve quality of life.

Moving Forward

Oregonians across the state support Oregon joining the network and becoming an Age-Friendly State and developing a Multi-Sector Plan. Across the country 25 states have MPAs with more working toward developing theirs. By learning from other states and listening to the needs of Oregonians, we can craft a plan that ensures our state is a great place to live and age.

House Bill 3497 seeks to create a Shared Future Oregon Task Force to develop a Multi-Sector Plan for Aging (MPA)is making its way in the legislature. AARP Oregon supports the bill and is urging lawmakers to pass this legislation. Read more about HB 3497

Learn more:

Age-Friendly Oregon Summit: https://www.aarp.org/orsummit23

Media Coverage on HB 3497 https://www.publicnewsservice.org/2025-03-17/senior-issues/bill-would-offer-a-blueprint-for-an-aging-oregon/a95813-1

AARP Age Friendly States and Communities: An Introduction to the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities

AARP National Aging Plan: A Plan for Aging Well in America: AARP’s Vision for a National Aging Plan