How Oklahoma’s ‘Aging Our Way’ plan supports older adults

One year into its 10-year strategic initiative, “Aging Our Way,” Oklahoma Human Services says the groundwork is laid for transforming how the state supports its aging population.

The plan aims to make the state more livable and accessible for residents age 65 and older by focusing on transportation, housing, nutrition, workforce access and more.

Building the Foundation

The first year focused on outreach, listening and laying a collaborative foundation. Officials say they prioritized community input and relationship-building with local organizations across the state.

“We took a lot of time, a lot of listening sessions, a lot of surveys to hear what Oklahoma really needs,” said Joncia Johnson with Oklahoma Human Services. “We are going from the bottom to the top, which I think is important because we actually know what Oklahoma really needs.”

Key Areas of Support

Oklahoma Human Services is working with city, state and nonprofit partners to boost senior access to areas like:

1. Affordable and accessible housing
2. Reliable transportation
3. Nutrition assistance
4. Workforce and financial resources
5. And more

Tracking Toward 2030

Demographic data underscores the urgency of the plan: By 2030, Oklahoma is projected to have more residents over 65 than under 18.

With that shift on the horizon, officials say they want to ensure aging Oklahomans can do so with dignity, independence and adequate support.

“Oklahoma has dragged in a lot of areas,” Johnson said. “This ‘Aging Our Way’ plan is something to put Oklahoma on the map and for us to really be the model.”

Community Ambassadors Play Key Role

Currently, 150 ambassadors are deployed across the state to gather feedback and provide real-time insights from local communities.

Oklahoma Human Services hopes to have at least one ambassador in every county in the coming years, helping tailor the initiative to local needs.

What’s Next

As the program enters its second year, officials say the focus will shift toward implementing the ideas gathered and expanding access to services statewide.

To learn more about the “Aging Our Way” plan or find an ambassador in your area, visit the "Aging Our Way" page created by Oklahoma Human Services.