You can help shape the next steps in this plan by completing a short survey from the Washington State Department of Health. Your input will inform the state’s approach, with the goal of helping more people as they age and providing them resources to be healthy and safe in our communities. Expanding community resources helps stabilize older adults and prevent unnecessary hospitalizations.
By 2040, one in five Washingtonians will be 65 or older. One in three older adults already live with at least one disability, and one in 11 adults ages 45 and older experiences cognitive decline.
The effort builds on local initiatives in cities like Seattle, Tacoma and Puyallup, which have embraced age-friendly projects such as walkable streets, diverse housing options and dementia-friendly programs. Age-friendly communities promote active engagement and accessibility for older adults. Dementia-friendly communities raise awareness and create systems that help people living with dementia and their caregivers.
Take the survey today and create communities where people of all ages and abilities can thrive. You can offer input until Dec. 7, 2025, and the survey is available in nine languages.
Sincerely,
Zosia Stanley
WSHA Vice President and Associate General Counsel
Zosias@wsha.org