California  Commission on Aging Turns 40

SACRAMENTO — One of the state’s most
influential representatives for older adults turns 40 this year. An advocate, advisor and disseminator of information, the California Commission on Aging, which held its first meeting in 1974, serves as the official voice of citizens before the Governor, State Legislature and other key policymakers.

The 18 nonpaid commissioners are appointed by the Governor, Senate Rules Committee and Assembly Speaker and supported by three full-time staff. The statutory role of the commission is to serve as the principal advocate for older adults and related programs and services.

“The California Commission on Aging has been a steady voice on critical issues related to providing for our state’s older adults, and has built its credibility by producing real results for its constituents,” says Bruce Chernof, MD, president and CEO of The SCAN Foundation.

During the commission’s tenure, Californians have benefited from a wide range of enduring and diverse programs for older adults, such as:

• The state was divided into 33 area agencies on aging in 1978 to facilitate coordination and delivery of services at the local level.

• Community based long-term care services were coordinated and expanded in 1984.

• That same year, voters approved Proposition 30 — the Senior Center Bond Act — making $50 million available to build the state’s network of senior centers.

• The California Foundation on Aging was established in 1988 to raise funds to supplement limited government resources for aging services.

• To help the state prepare for needs of the Boomer generation, a CCoA forum in 2003 led to adoption of the “Strategic Plan for an Aging California Population.”

• The Senior Center Stakeholder Summits in 2009 and 2011 reinforced the state’s commitment to these vital service hubs.

• The commission’s advocacy on behalf of multiple underserved and under-resourced older-adult constituencies helped strengthen the positions of veterans, persons with disabilities, Native Americans, lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender individuals, residents in rural communities, and abuse victims, among others.

“The Commission’s role for the past 40 years, and I suspect for the next 40, will be to advocate for services to help all Californians age in reasonably good health and as independently as possible,” says Carroll Estes, founding commissioner. “Yet, the many ways this group protects the dignity of our most vulnerable older adults is perhaps its greatest achievement.”

Another former commissioner, Ray Mastalish, who also served as executive director, recognized the commission’s vital role in merging the interests of regional, state and federal programs to develop united policies and programs on behalf of the aging population.

As for the future, “I see home health, caregiver support, and advances in communication and supportive technologies as priorities,” Mastalish says,

The commission’s focus for the year ahead includes:

• Build partnerships with prominent institutions to expand resources and influences. 

• Advance research, convene authorities and conduct public outreach to help define the state’s policies on aging.

• Support substantive programs for vulnerable populations, including elder justice, support for caregivers, diversity and equality, services for rural communities and affordable housing.

• Advocate for new workforce directives that respond to the needs of an aging population.

• Educate the public and policymakers on how to make our increased life expectancy a “longevity dividend,” not a burden.

“The Commission envisions a robust statewide service system that supports older adults and their caregivers, provides resources for independent living, embraces diversity, and respects the aging process,” says CCoA Executive Director Sandi Fitzpatrick. “We are optimistic that the commission’s agenda 40 years from now will reflect considerable progress toward achieving the goal.”