Master Plan on Aging
Currently, there are more than 1.1 million Missouri citizens over the age of 60. Estimates suggest that older adults will outnumber minors for the first time by 2030 and older adults will greatly outnumber minors by 2060. The U.S. older population is also becoming more diverse. These demographic shifts will have a profound impact on the volume and types of services and support that states provide to older adults and people with disabilities, as well as family caregivers.
On January 19, 2023, Governor Parson signed Executive Order 23-01 to establish a Master Plan on Aging to help reduce age and disability discrimination, eliminate barriers to safe and healthy aging, and help Missourians age with dignity. This Exective Order created an advisory council and tasked DHSS with the development of a plan by Dec. 31, 2025.
A Master Plan on Aging is a cross-sector, state-led strategic resource that can help us transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for our rapidly aging population. The plan will build bridges across government agencies, facilitate collaboration with diverse stakeholders, promote equity, raise awareness among policymakers and the public, establish statewide priorities, and incorporate an aging and disability lens across state priorities beyond traditional health care and community.
Master Plan on Aging Advisory Council Members
Lieutenant Governor Mike Kehoe
Senator Mike Moon
Representative Yolanda Fountain Henderson
Ken Zellers, Office of Administration
Chris Chinn, Department of Agriculture
Sara Parker Pauley, Department of Conservation
Anne Precythe, Department of Corrections
Maggie Kost, Department of Economic Development
Margie Vandeven, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education
Paula F. Nickelson, Department of Health and Senior Services
Leroy Wade, Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development
Chlora Lindley-Myers, Department of Commerce and Insurance
Anna Hui, Department of Labor and Industrial Relations
Val Huhn, Department of Mental Health
Dru Buntin, Department of Natural Resources
Sandy Karsten, Department of Public Safety
Wayne Wallingford, Department of Revenue
Robert J. Knodell, Department of Social Services
Patrick McKenna, Department of Transportation
Lana Johnson, Aging Matters and President of ma4
Deb Hobson, Centers for Independent Living
Nancy Pennington, Missouri Association of County Developmental Disability Services
Tiffany Bayer, DHSS Centers for Local Public Health Services
Tina Uridge, Senior Tax Levy Boards
Cindy Shultz, Missouri Association of Councils of Governments
Tim Brinker, County Commissioners Association of Missouri
Richard Sheets, Missouri Municipal League
Sheli Reynolds, UMKC Institute for Human Development
Jon Doolittle, Missouri Hospital Association
Jay Hardenbrook, Missouri AARP
Beth Brown, Senior Community Services Employment Program
Paul Kirchoff, Missouri Veterans Commission
LaTasha Barnes, Legal Services of Eastern Missouri
Angel Surdin, DHSS Office of Minority Health
Jamie Opsal, Missouri Council on Aging
Sarah Lovegreen, Alzheimer’s Association Greater Missouri Chapter
Jennifer Carter Dochler, Missouri Foundation for Health
Angela Williams, Health Forward Foundation
Jenni Miller, Missouri Housing Development Commission
Craig Escude, M.D., IntellectAbility
In addition to the advisory council, subcommittees will be formed to focus on core areas related to healthy aging. The currently planned subcommittees are outlined below. If you are interested in serving on one or more, email Mindy.Ulstad@health.mo.gov.
There will also be opportunities for public engagement in the development of the Master Plan on Aging. Current plans are to conduct a statewide needs survey and multiple town halls, both virtual and in person throughout the state.