Gov. Maura Healey signs executive order to embed age‑friendly policies, renames Elder Affairs office

Gov. Maura Healey signed an executive order at an event in Plymouth this morning directing state agencies to identify where age‑friendly policies and practices can be embedded and launching an updated age- and dementia-friendly state plan called "Reimagine Aging," officials said.

The move, Healey said, establishes a governor’s advisory group on age‑friendly policies and practices and renames the Executive Office of Elder Affairs as the Executive Office of Aging and Independence. "I'm signing an executive order today," Healey said, adding the measure is intended to help state agencies think about transportation, housing, education and the delivery of health care for older residents.

Why it matters: Plymouth officials and state leaders emphasized that Massachusetts is becoming older and that local services must expand to meet demand. Derek Randizzi, town manager for Plymouth, told the assembled officials that 42 percent of the town’s population is 55 and older and that figure is projected to reach 50 percent in the next five years. Randizzi said the town has expanded services and created a local health and human services department to respond to those needs.

Most important details first: Healey said the executive order will require state offices to identify where age‑friendly policies can be "embedded" in their work and…