Sonoma County is looking for people to serve on a new committee that will shape its strategic aging plan as older residents become a greater part of the county’s demography, county officials recently announced.
Applicants would serve on the committee to address what the announcement described as “a major population shift that has dramatically expanded the number of older adults in our county.”
The strategic aging plan would align with the state’s 2021 Master Plan for Aging, but highlight the local, unique needs of Sonoma County such as housing, health, caregiving, affordable aging, and inclusion and equity.
Sonoma County has seen its over-60 population rise by 22 percent in the past decade, with people in that age group projected to account for 30 percent of the county’s population by 2033.
“This plan will provide a compass for the county to follow as we seek to prioritize and address the needs of our community as we age,” Supervisor Chris Coursey said in a statement released by the county. “Developing a strategic aging plan will set up Sonoma County to make the right funding and resource decisions while providing a report for other agencies to reference.”
According to the county economic development board, the number of people over the age of 60 in Sonoma County grew 22 percent in the last decade, even as the county’s overall population fell by 3 percent.
Sonoma County is now home to approximately 139,000 people aged 60 or older, accounting for 28 percent of the total population. Projections show that by 2033, over 30 percent of the county will be over 60 years old, the economic development board said.
The county’s Aging Together leadership team is seeking 15 applicants to serve on a steering committee that will meet monthly with a consultant over the next 10 months to provide guidance during the creation of a local strategic plan on aging.
Applications are due by April 21. To apply visit the county’s website.