The unveiling of New York state’s first-ever Master Plan for Aging is drawing both praise and concern from senior living groups looking to expand care options for older adults.

The plan, which the state describes as a “comprehensive roadmap” to support the state’s growing population of older adults, includes 100 actionable proposals. The release of the report was accompanied by a new website that includes a library of 100-plus proposals that address the built environment and infrastructure, transportation and transit, care and service financing, long-term care workforce retention and recruitment, licensing and training, pilot initiatives, care and service delivery innovations, and public-private partnerships.

The plan builds on goals that Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) outlined in her 2022 state of the state address and fiscal year 2023 budget. The Master Plan for Aging formally was established in a 2022 executive order. New York achieved designation as the first Age-Friendly state in the nation by the AARP in 2017. 

LeadingAge New York, however, said that it has concerns over not having the “luxury of time” in providing access to long-term care services and support. President and CEO Sebrina Barrett told McKnight’s Senior Living that serious issues related to access to long-term care supports and services exist in many communities around the state. Faced with declining financial health and workforce challenges, along with the threat of federal cuts, Barrett said that the state must “act swiftly” to ensure that older adults and their caregivers can access quality services when and where they need them 

“This will require innovation, as well as a recognition that the crisis before us requires new and different approaches — some of which are found in the Master Plan for Aging,” Barrett said. “Ask any caregiver in the community who cannot find the help needed for their loved one — we don’t have a moment to spare.”

The Empire State Association of Assisted Living, which participated in the development of the plan, said it supports the recommendations that promote the health and well-being of assisted living residents, providers and team members, but it has concerns about other components of the plan.

“Many of the most meaningful recommendations will require legislative action and support in next year’s state budget,” ESAAL Executive Director Lisa Newcomb told McKnight’s Senior Living. “As New York state’s only statewide association that exclusively represents assisted living providers, ESAAL will vigorously pursue legislation that will bring assisted living accessibility and affordability to New York’s seniors during the 2026 session.”

New York has the fourth-largest population of older adults in the country. Older adults make up 16% of New York’s population, a figure expected to reach up to 30% in most counties by 2030.

The plan was developed by the New York Department of Health, Office for the Aging and Department of State and includes strategies for housing access and community development, support for the aging workforce and caregivers, expanded transportation and mobility options, access to healthcare and social engagement, and technology access and elder abuse prevention.