WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pennsylvania Department of Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich represented the Commonwealth at the National Center to Reframe Aging’s Summit 2024. This gathering of minds in Washington, D.C., was dedicated to altering how we communicate, think, and act regarding the universal experience of aging.
The summit, titled “The Movement to Reframe Aging,” aimed to dismantle existing biases against aging by fostering a more positive and inclusive dialogue. “Bias exists against aging… It’s critical that we change the way we all think and speak about aging to avoid perpetuating that bias,” Secretary Kavulich remarked, emphasizing the importance of this national conversation.
Bringing together experts from diverse fields, including thought leaders, federal representatives, and leaders from local, regional, and state-based organizations, the summit offered a platform for exchanging ideas and strategies to promote an equitable and complete narrative about aging in America. The event saw participation from over 1,200 locations worldwide, both in-person and online.
In a panel discussion titled “Reshaping Discourse on Aging: State and Local Models for Change,” Secretary Kavulich shared insights into Pennsylvania’s efforts to integrate best practices from the National Center to Reframe Aging. These efforts are crystallized in the forthcoming strategic plan, Aging Our Way, PA, which aims to revolutionize service delivery for older Pennsylvanians and create an age-friendly Commonwealth.
The development of Aging Our Way, PA, is part of a broader initiative directed by Governor Shapiro’s Executive Order, reflecting the administration’s commitment to addressing the needs and preferences of Pennsylvanians as they age. The plan was informed by extensive community engagement, including more than 200 listening sessions and feedback from over 20,000 Pennsylvanians, underscoring the participatory approach taken in its formulation.
Secretary Kavulich highlighted a conscious effort to move away from terms like “vulnerable populations” when discussing older adults, instead promoting a narrative that embraces aging as a positive and inevitable aspect of life. “We are all getting older, and we will all need help at some point during our life journey,” he noted, advocating for a shift in perspective that recognizes the value and contributions of older individuals.
To implement the strategic vision outlined in Aging Our Way, PA, the Department of Aging is requesting $11.7 million in the proposed budget for 2024-2025. This funding will be instrumental in advancing the initiatives and services designed to support older Pennsylvanians, ensuring they have access to the resources and care they deserve.
As the Department of Aging prepares to launch Aging Our Way, PA, Pennsylvania stands as a model for other states seeking to foster a more inclusive, respectful, and positive environment for aging populations. This effort marks a significant step toward redefining aging in America, moving away from stereotypes and towards a future where aging is celebrated as a vital stage of life, rich with opportunities for growth and contribution.
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