Age Strong VT is Vermont’s first 10-year, multisector plan on aging (MPA), outlining seven broad goals, with corresponding objectives and strategies to support Vermont in being an age-friendly state where people can continue to belong throughout their lifespan, making Vermont a great place for all ages and stages of life. Visit the links below to read the plan, learn how to get involved or request a presentation on the Age Strong VT Multisector Plan on Aging.
How does Age Strong VT apply to me?
Regardless of your current age or ability, consider what type of aging process you envision for yourself or for your loved ones. Does your community have the resources in place for you to live and age how you imagined? We are all getting older - from current older Vermonters and their family members to our neighbors, caregivers and younger generations, we are all aging
How will Age Strong VT promote aging well?
The Age Strong VT plan serves as a roadmap for Vermont state agencies and lawmakers, business owners, social service agencies, town and city planners, and the healthcare industry to build a coordinated and efficient system of services—with the overarching goal of enhancing and securing the right for all Vermonters to age safely and happily, while maintaining dignity and respect. Age Strong VT is a plan that benefits all of us and serves to build a stronger future for our community, where all Vermonters have equitable opportunities to thrive throughout all stages of life— at any age or ability.
Examples of age-friendly initiatives:
- Age Friendly Housing: Vermont’s Age-Friendly Housing plan
- Continuing Education: The University of Vermont's Age-Friendly University
- Age Friendly Health Systems: Grace Cottage Hospital patient-centered care
One page data reports for each county. Each report contains county-specific demographic data a description of barriers to healthy aging and healthy aging indicators by age group.
Self-determination:
Older Vermonters should be able to direct their own lives as they age, and be granted dignity, respect and autonomy when it comes to decisions affecting their lives.
Safety and Protection:
Older Vermonters should be able to maintain their civil and legal rights to be protected. All individuals should feel safe and protected:
- Within their living communities
- Against abuse, neglect and exploitation
- At all stages of life, even if their capacity is diminished
Financial Security:
All older Vermonters regardless of age and ability should have the opportunity to:
- Receive an adequate income
- Work and maintain employment if they choose
- Retire without fear of poverty and isolation
Optimal Health and Wellness:
Through the end of their lives, older Vermonters should have the opportunity to receive:
- Optimal physical, dental, mental, emotional and spiritual health
- Affordable and accessible options for health, counseling, exercise and nutrition
- Access to coordinated, competent, and high-quality care
Social Connection and Engagement:
Older Vermonters should be free from isolation and loneliness with the opportunities to participate in affordable and accessible social connection within their communities through:
- Work and volunteering
- Continued education
- Arts and culture
- Broadband access and other technology
Housing, Transportation and Community Design:
Communities should be designed to support and maintain the health, safety and independence of older Vermonters through safe, affordable, and accessible housing, transportation and community support systems. Flexible and affordable transport pilots underway in Vermont are making the difference in accessing appointments and grocery shopping among older Vermonters.
Family Caregiving Support:
Family caregivers play an essential role in supporting older Vermonters throughout the aging process. All family caregivers should have affordable access to:
- Education and trainings
- Counseling
- Respite
- Support
Coordinated and Efficient System of Services:
A Coordinated and Efficient System of Services is key to ensuring that the needs of Vermonters are met. Vermonters can feel empowered and better to age well in their homes and community if we work to:
- Improve efficient delivery of service
- Close gaps in unmet needs
- Increase accessibility of resources
