This May, the California Department of Aging (CDA) encourages people to start the conversation about aging, focusing on the wisdom, strength, and resilience older adults can offer to family, friends, and their communities.
“Starting the conversation is a sign of strength, not weakness,” said California Department of Aging Director Susan DeMarois. “Older adults are vibrant, capable, contributing members of our communities. Let’s celebrate the possibilities that come with every new chapter of life.”
Conversations about aging can happen between anyone — partners, family members, friends, or caregivers. What matters is making space to talk honestly about needs, preferences, and plans. Whether you’re asking for support or offering it, these conversations are about respect, not rescue — and they’re a powerful way to strengthen trust and preserve independence.
“Older Californians Month is an opportunity to celebrate the people at the center of all our work,” said California Health & Human Services Agency (CalHHS) Secretary Kim Johnson. “Starting the conversation early is the best way to ensure independence and dignity as we age. It’s about empowering people with information and resources and helping them to thrive.”
How To Start The Conversation
Start with general topics like cooking, volunteering, cleaning the garage, or yardwork. Approaching the conversation with confidence demonstrates a genuine willingness to connect.
“If I ask for a ride or help lifting a box, it doesn’t mean I need to be rescued — it just means I need a little help,” said Wanda Stapley, 86, of Modesto. “I don’t need someone telling me what to do, how to do it, or why to do it in every situation. I enjoy the freedom of making my own decisions.”
Why This Is Important
By 2030, older adults will outnumber those under 18 for the first time in state history, and 25 percent of the population will be 60 or older. More than ever, it’s critical that families seek solutions that empower older adults, including assistance for those who wish to age safely in their homes and communities. California’s groundbreaking Master Plan for Aging, a 10-year blueprint to prepare for a larger, more diverse, and older population, is an important tool; learn more at mpa.aging.ca.gov.
Available Resources
To support these intergenerational conversations about aging, CDA developed the Aging Resource Guide, which is available in multiple languages and formats. The guide shares information about a variety of programs and services available to older adults, people with disabilities, and family caregivers, offering practical information to help older adults plan for independent living. Highlights include:
Scams Awareness — Learn about fraud commonly targeting older adults and how to protect against it.
Nutrition — Get delicious recipes, review nutrients essential for older adults, and find out about home-delivered meals as well as group meals offering opportunities to meet new people.
Caregiver Support — Information, counseling, and respite (a break for the caregiver with someone else providing care for a short time) are available to help family members who provide care for older loved ones in their homes.
Other topics include preparing for disasters and emergencies, preventing falls and injuries, the benefits of volunteering, and learning about different housing options for older adults throughout the Golden State.
Explore California’s Aging Resource Guide at aging.ca.gov/aging_resources.
About The California Department Of Aging
Under the umbrella of the California Health & Human Services Agency, CDA administers programs that serve older adults, adults with disabilities, and family caregivers throughout the state. These programs are funded through the federal Older Americans Act, the Older Californians Act, the State General Fund, and the Medi-Cal program. To promote the department’s goal of every Californian having the opportunity to enjoy wellness, longevity, and quality of life in strong, healthy communities, CDA actively collaborates with a wide array of partners on transportation, housing and accessibility, emergency preparedness and response, wellness and nutrition, falls and injury prevention, improving services to persons with dementia, reducing fraud and abuse, and many other issues. To learn more, visit aging.ca.gov.
