Commentary

Capitol Weekly: Opinion – Millions of seniors pushed into poverty

< 1 min
June 29, 2018

BY SHELLEY LYFORD AND BRUCE A. CHERNOF

It is no secret that Californians are living longer, but not necessarily better.

By 2030, the state’s senior population will increase by 4 million people, yet the state is woefully unprepared to care for this growing and financially unstable demographic. The lack of any strategy or organized master plan has pushed millions of seniors into poverty, unable to access high-quality, affordable healthcare, dental care, housing and supportive services.

Our lawmakers and next governor need to set aside partisan differences and collaborate on the creation of a state master plan for aging that recognizes three important pillars: the ability to age with independence; a healthcare system that responds to the individual not an institution; and affordable housing.

 

PLEASE READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN CAPITOL WEEKLY

 

 
Shelley Lyford
CEO, Chair & Trustee, Gary and Mary West Foundation
CEO & Chair, West Health Institute