History
Background
The United States is aging, and Colorado is aging quickly. Historically, Colorado has been home to a relatively small population of older adults. In the 1970s, Colorado experienced significant in-migration of people in their 20s and 30s. Those residents raised families, built careers and enjoyed all of the beauty and recreation Colorado has to offer. Now, 50 years later, Colorado is home to more than 1.3 million people over the age of 60. Currently, that represents approximately 15 percent of the state’s population. The State Demography Office estimates that, over the next 25 years, more than a quarter of the state’s population will be over the age of 60.
Because Colorado has been a historically young state, we lack the critical infrastructure needed to support us all as we age. Over the next 10 years, Colorado will work to improve supports for age-friendly communities, healthcare, funding streams, caregiving supports, older worker support, digital access, and economic security for Coloradans as we age.
How did we get here?
Over the last decade, Colorado has prioritized strategic planning and resourcing for older residents. Below are some steps the State has taken.
2015: Colorado Aging Framework
In July 2015, the Colorado Department of Human Services and the Colorado Commission on Aging published the Colorado Aging Framework. This framework reviewed the strategies and initiatives to strengthen services for older adults. The framework provided goals and recommendations and highlighted strengths and gaps in service. The intent of the framework was to promote aging in community, streamline costs and leverage the strengths of local communities and economies to forge partnerships to support older Coloradans.
2015: Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging
The Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging (SAPGA) — which was established by the legislature in 2015 through House Bill 15-1033 — developed a long-term plan to address the state’s aging population. SAPGA examined wide-ranging impacts on the economy, public services and caregiving, and recommended legislation to improve services, funding and public awareness. Its work culminated in the 2022 Strategic Action Plan on Aging.
Learn more about the Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging
2018: Lifelong Colorado Initiative
In September 2018, Gov. John Hickenlooper announced membership to AARP’s Age Friendly States network. The state launched the Lifelong Colorado Initiative to promote age friendly communities. Lifelong Colorado is a collection of State, regional and local strategies that support aging in the community. It is our vehicle for moving aging efforts forward in our state and livable community efforts are a critical piece of the puzzle.
2022: Modernization of the Older Coloradans' Act
In 2022, the Colorado legislature passed the Modernization of the Older Coloradans' Act in order to better position the State to realize the goals of the Strategic Action Planning Group on Aging and the Lifelong Colorado Initiative. This law makes it easier for different parts of the State government to work together on policies for older adults than the original Older Coloradans' Act, which was passed in the 1960s. Part of this bill directs CDHS to develop and implement a plan to support older Coloradans. The Multi-Sector Plan on Aging is a result of this legislation.
