From the Desk of Michelle Aguirre, County Executive Officer
It is with immense pride and a profound sense of purpose that I present the OC Cares: Master Plan for Aging (OC MPA). This comprehensive five-year plan is a testament to our collective commitment to ensuring that Orange County (OC) remains a vibrant, healthy, and fulfilling place for all residents to live, work, and thrive, especially as they age.
OC is experiencing a significant demographic shift; by 2049, our population aged 65 and above is projected to increase by 66%, and projected to reach 36% of our total population by 2060. This growth underscores the urgent need for proactive, integrated strategies to support our older adults and their caregivers.
Developed through the collaboration and input from County or Orange (County) staff and advisory committees committed to serving older adults, and significantly informed by the OC Older Adult Needs Assessment surveys, the OC MPA is deeply rooted in the voices and experiences of our community. It aligns with the efforts of California’s Master Plan for Aging (CA MPA) and its Five Bold Goals: Housing for all Ages & Stages; Health Reimagined; Inclusion & Equity, Not Isolation; Caregiving that Works and Affordable Aging.
Our plan outlines three priority initiatives, designed to drive meaningful, sustainable change at the local level:
- Housing Security: Our goal is to ensure housing security with a focus on supporting older adults to age in place. This includes increasing access to affordable, supportive, and accessible housing options, addressing financial instability, and exploring innovative housing models. We are committed to leveraging existing County investments and fostering new partnerships to meet this critical need.
- Public Information & Resource Campaign: We aim to create a comprehensive, accessible public information and resource campaign for older adults and their caregivers. This initiative will expand awareness and connection to vital programs and services aligned with the State’s Five Bold Goals, utilizing platforms like OC Navigator and enhancing community resource fairs across all supervisorial districts throughout the County.
- Enhanced Care Coordination: This initiative focuses on connecting vulnerable older adults to resources through a whole-person care approach. By implementing a data integration program and expanding the use of existing platforms like Compass OC, we will enhance care coordination, reduce barriers to accessing services (such as transportation), and ensure efficient, tailored support for our aging population.
The County Executive Office (CEO) will lead implementation of the OC MPA, ensuring coordination, progress monitoring, and sustained funding through our Strategic Financial Plan. This plan is more than a County initiative; it is a community-wide call to action, emphasizing the power of ongoing collaboration among public agencies, nonprofit partners, the private sector and the community at large.
Together, we will build a resilient OC where every older adult can age with dignity, security and vitality.
Sincerely,
Michelle Aguirre
County Executive Officer
County of Orange
