How State and Local Agencies on Aging Help Older Adults: A Podcast with Susan DeMarois, Greg Olsen, and Lindsey Yourman

You may have heard of Area Agencies on Aging, but do you really know what they do or how they do it?  What about State Departments of Aging or state master plans for aging?  Do you know how these agencies fit in with programs like Meals-on-Wheels or other nutritional support programs? Is your brain hurting yet with all these questions?  No?  Ok, what about Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) services?

Well, if you are like me, you’ve probably heard of these programs but are at a loss to know exactly what they do.  On today's podcast we dive deep into how state and local governments are addressing the needs of older adults, answering all of these questions and more thanks to our three amazing guests: Susan DeMarois (the Director of California Department of Aging), Greg Olsen (the Director of the New York State Office for the Aging), and Lindsey Yourman (the Chief Geriatric Officer for the County of San Diego).

It’s a fun podcast with our guest bringing in a ton of knowledge and passion for the work that they do.  If there is one take-away from the podcast, it is something Dr. Yourman emailed me after we met:

“My hope is that every geriatrics clinician/Geriatrics Department/Division that listens to our podcast will be motivated to reach out to their Area Agency on Aging (if they haven't done so previously) to ask for a meet and greet and to learn about their resources, services, and recommended community-based organizations for older people.”

To learn more about what we talked about, check out the following links:

• Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging connecting you to services for older adults and their families

• California’s Master Plan for Aging

• New York’s Master Plan for Aging