Americans are living longer than ever, and Maryland is betting that government alone cannot prepare for that reality. By 2030, about 26% of Maryland residents are expected to be 60 or older, up from about 23% in 2020, prompting state leaders to rethink everything from housing to transportation and workforce policy.
In response, the state enacted the Longevity Ready Maryland Act, making Maryland the first state to permanently enshrine a “longevity” strategy into law while also creating an Aging Fund that can accept private philanthropic donations to support aging-related efforts. Instead of viewing aging as only a health care problem, lawmakers are treating longevity as an economic, housing, transportation, workforce and public policy challenge. Here’s why Maryland’s approach is getting national attention and what it could mean for seniors.
Maryland Plans for Longer Lives, Not Just Seniors
The new law directs the Maryland Department of Aging to lead the implementation of the Longevity Ready Maryland Plan, a multi-sectoral ten-year strategy focused on helping citizens thrive as life expectancy increases. Instead of focusing only on traditional services, the program addresses housing, transportation, employment, health care, maintenance, financial security, and social planning.
Officials estimate that one in four Marylanders will be 60 or older by 2030, making long-term planning urgent. The law also requires regular public reporting and updates to ensure that the program is evolving and changing demographics.
“We are aging as a state faster than the rest of the country,” Maryland Department of Aging Secretary Carmel Roques told WYPR. “We are living longer. Now is the time to consider what we need to do as individuals, families, communities, and the state to adapt.”
Private Donations Can Extend Aging Plans
One of the most innovative aspects of Maryland’s new approach is the creation of the Aging Resilience Fund. Unlike a regular budget that depends entirely on the state’s annual budget, this fund can receive private philanthropic donations and other appropriate financial sources to support aging efforts.
Because the Seniors Recovery Fund does not expire, charitable contributions can remain available over multiple fiscal years instead of expiring at the end of the budget cycle. Officials say the flexibility makes it easier to launch pilot programs and attract grassroots support that would be difficult to garner with traditional assignments.
State officials say the fund provides flexibility to launch pilot programs, strengthen partnerships, and pursue new projects that may be difficult to finance through normal budget processes. According to the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Aging, Carmel Roques, having a permanent fund also makes it possible to receive support for help that did not have a permanent home in the department.
Commission on Aging Gets a Broader Voice
The legislation also expands the Maryland Commission on Aging, which advises state leaders on policies affecting older adults. New representation includes experts on aging, veterans’ issues, and consumer protection, creating a wider range of opinions when evaluating future policy recommendations. Increasingly, the commission recognizes that aging affects almost every aspect of public life rather than being limited to health care systems. Broader representation may also improve coordination among agencies responsible for housing, transportation, employment, and public safety.
Aging Becomes an Economic Issue
Another reason Maryland is investing in longevity planning is the growing recognition that aging affects the state’s economy as much as its health care system. Longer lives create new opportunities for older adults who wish to continue working, volunteering, starting businesses, or serving as caregivers. At the same time, a long retirement requires strong financial planning, affordable housing, and extended care services. The Longevity Ready Maryland Plan specifically highlights economic opportunity and financial preparedness as critical to health and well-being.
Housing, Transportation, and Care are Priorities
Maryland’s strategy recognizes that successful aging depends on more than medical care. Safe housing, reliable transportation, caregiver support, accessible public spaces, and financial stability all influence whether a person can remain independent later in life. Rather than assigning responsibility to a single agency, the law encourages collaboration across multiple government departments to coordinate these services more effectively.
Officials have already highlighted the work of various organizations that include housing, emotional support, homelessness prevention, and workforce development. For example, officials are already working with housing agencies on homelessness for older adults, with labor organizations on the shortage of caregivers, and with health care partners on dementia support services.
Other Countries Are Watching
Maryland was one of the first states to codify a comprehensive longevity strategy into law, and aging policy experts are paying attention. As the US population continues to age, many states are facing similar challenges including housing affordability, caregiver shortages, workforce participation, access to health care, and long-term financial security. If Maryland shows measurable progress through integrated planning and multi-funding, similar models could emerge elsewhere.
While all states will face different population pressures, the fundamental question remains the same: how should governments prepare for permanent residents in their 90s or beyond? Maryland’s experiment may provide part of the answer.
A New Way to Think About Aging
Whether Maryland ultimately becomes a model for other states will depend on measurable results over the next decade. But by treating longevity as an issue that affects housing, transportation, employment, health care, and economic development (not just senior services), the state is exploring a broader approach to preparing for an aging America.
Do you think other states should adopt a long-term strategy like Maryland’s? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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