(1) The general assembly finds and declares that: (a) Older Coloradans constitute a fundamental resource of this state. Often, their competence, experience, and wisdom are underutilized, and a means must be found to effectively use their abilities for the benefit of all Coloradans. The number of persons in this state sixty years of age or older is increasing rapidly, and, of these persons, the number of women, people of color, and persons seventy-five years of age or older is expanding at an even greater rate. (b) A state that is well-adapted for aging is one where all individuals can thrive and are adequately supported: A Colorado for all. Colorado must support a high quality of life for older Coloradans and their families by promoting health and well-being; supporting affordable, high- quality, and sustainable long-term services and supports; fostering workforce development and self-sufficiency; creating livable communities; and integrating aging policy and programs across state government. (c) To ensure that Colorado is the best state in which to grow old, the following goals must guide aging and aging services in Colorado: (I) Older Coloradans are able to live and fully participate in their communities of choice for as long as possible; (II) Older Coloradans are able to stay engaged in the labor force or volunteer sector for as long as they want or need; (III) Older Coloradans and their families are financially secure and prepared to meet the challenges of aging; (IV) Coloradans are prepared for the challenges of caring for aged loved ones and are able to do so without endangering their own physical, behavioral, and financial health or well- being or the health and well-being of their loved ones; (V) Trained workers are skilled, educated, and paid commensurate to their abilities and training to meet the needs of employers and industries serving an increasing population of older Coloradans; (VI) Older Coloradans can stay healthier longer through access to quality and affordable person-centered and culturally appropriate care that aligns with their preferences and values; (VII) The state can meet its commitment to support older Coloradans and their families; and (VIII) Colorado can empower and protect older Coloradans from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other harmful acts; (d) Colorado faces a historic demographic shift over the next fifty years that will create opportunities and challenges. This shift will result in an unprecedented number of older workers remaining in the workforce and older Coloradans shifting into retirement. The demographic changes will result in wide-ranging economic and social impacts on the workforce, housing, transportation, long-term services and supports, and health care. The state must act to capitalize on the opportunities and address the challenges. (e) To ensure that older Coloradans are prepared to address aging-related opportunities and challenges, it is critical that the state empower and educate residents from an early age to prepare for the realities of a long life. The state should encourage residents to engage in retirement planning, health and wellness preservation activities and services, lifelong learning, cross-generational collaboration, and civic engagement. (f) Aging is a personal experience that varies from person to person. Coloradans will age differently, with some remaining mentally and physically capable until they die and others experiencing mental and physical disabilities earlier in life. As a result, older Coloradans and their families are presented with varying opportunities and challenges across their lives. Some older Coloradans will continue to live independently in their own homes while others will require long-term skilled nursing care. In coordination with state department subject matter experts, area agencies on aging, local governments, and community stakeholders, it is a priority of the general assembly to examine the complexity of these issues and develop policies that support communities and families across Colorado. The aging process is further impacted by historical disparities, including but not limited to structural racism, sexism, and ageism. The social and health problems of older Coloradans are compounded by limited preparation for an increase in life expectancy and lack of access to services, or the unavailability of services, throughout the state. It is of profound importance for all Coloradans that older Coloradans maintain self-sufficiency and personal well-being, have access to necessary services and supports, and realize their maximum potential as creative and productive individuals. (2) (a) Therefore, the general assembly finds that it is Colorado's policy to: (I) Empower and protect older Coloradans from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and other harmful acts; (II) Meaningfully involve older Coloradans in the planning and operation of all programs and services that may affect them; (III) Encourage agencies at all levels of government, as well as the private sector, to develop alternative services and forms of care that provide a range of services to be delivered in the community and home that support independent living and prevent unnecessary institutionalization; (IV) Reduce health disparities and support aging across an individual's lifespan; (V) Prioritize planning services and programs for older Coloradans with the greatest economic or social needs; (VI) Acknowledge and remove barriers to ensure programs, services, projects, policies, procedures, and resources are inclusive of all older Coloradans, particularly those who are most underserved; (VII) Recognize that preparing all Coloradans for the different facets of a longer life is part of the state's responsibility; and (VIII) Facilitate and encourage joint program planning and policy development among state, regional, and local government to promote innovation, efficiency, and maximize resources; (b) In order to support older Coloradans, the general assembly finds that a citizen-led, multidisciplinary stakeholder commission, comprised of representatives from both the public and private sectors, is needed to coordinate and contribute to guiding state programs, services, projects, policies, procedures, and resources in the area of aging.
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