Santa Cruz County is presenting a Master Plan for Aging (MPA) survey residents can take that will help county leaders craft a plan to meet the needs of its rapidly growing senior population.
When it is complete, the county’s MPA—called “Age Well Santa Cruz County”—will be part of a statewide effort to create a 10-year blueprint for providing services for older adults.
Such efforts are important in Santa Cruz County, which has the largest senior population in the state, said Gray Bears Executive Director Jennifer Merchant.
“It’s important for Santa Cruz to follow the lead taken by the state of California, so we can better meet the needs of the entire community as it ages,” she said.
Santa Cruz’s Human Services Department and the Seniors Council are teaming up to create the plan.
“The County of Santa Cruz is dedicated to promoting the well-being of older residents and people with disabilities,” said Alicia Morales, director of the Human Services Department’s Adult and Long-Term Care Division. “Age Well Santa Cruz County will be a blueprint for implementing strategies and partnerships that promote healthy aging for all.”
The State of California released a Master Plan for Aging in 2021, and all counties are required to make one of their own.
The survey launched on Jan. 8. Results will help inform the local MPA’s goals.
It will be available online through March 31 at agewellsantacruzcounty.org and buenavejezcondadodesantacruz.org.
For information, email Ag*****@sa***************.gov or call 454.4397.
