“Flipping the Script on Aging”: California Pushes for Greater Support During Older Californians Month

By Edward Henderson | California Black Media 

As California closes out Older Californians Month this May, the state recognizes that its senior population continues to grow at a historic pace.

Acknowledging that fact, state leaders and advocates are warning that the quality of life for aging adults in the state will depend not only on access to healthcare and housing, but also on ensuring older adults are fully included in conversations around mental and behavioral health.

In a proclamation recognizing Older Californians Month, Gov. Gavin Newsom emphasized the increasingly important role older residents play across the state.

“California is home to nearly nine million older residents who immeasurably enrich our families, communities, and economy through their diverse life experiences, cultures, and contributions,” the proclamation states.

Newsom’s announcement highlighted that California is facing a major demographic shift. By 2030, one in four Californians will be age 60 or older, while more than one million residents are projected to be over the age of 85. State officials say those changes are already reshaping discussions around healthcare access, caregiving, transportation, housing, and community support systems.

This year’s Older Californians Month theme — “Flip the Script on Aging” — focuses on challenging stereotypes surrounding older adults and promoting a more inclusive vision of aging.

“Stigma and stereotypes are harmful to the self-image of older people and feed inequities and discrimination in systems of care and in communities more broadly,” the proclamation reads. 

At the same time, the California Commission on Aging (CCoA) is launching a new statewide awareness initiative centered specifically on older adult behavioral health. The effort follows the implementation of Proposition 1 and the Behavioral Health Services Act, which significantly restructures how behavioral health programs are funded throughout California.

According to the Commission, the initiative aims to ensure older adults are not overlooked as counties redesign mental health and substance use services.

“These materials are a call to action,” said CCoA Behavioral Health Committee Chair Janet Frank. 

“As counties implement major system changes, we must ensure older adults are not left behind in behavioral health planning, funding, and services,” said Frank. 

The Commission recently released two publications outlining growing concerns over service gaps and access barriers affecting older Californians. Among the issues highlighted are reduced local resources, cuts to prevention and early intervention programs, and ongoing barriers such as transportation limitations, cost, stigma, and complicated healthcare systems.

The reports also point to troubling statistics. More than 12% of older adults experience mental illness annually, while roughly one in nine older adults need substance use treatment each year. Yet many never receive care.

Carolyn Johnson, a 70-year-old Sacramento resident, says those challenges are becoming more visible as California’s aging population grows.

“A lot of people still think mental health is something older generations don’t talk about,” Johnson said. “But loneliness, grief, anxiety, and depression absolutely affect us, especially when people lose spouses, retire, or become isolated.”

Johnson, who retired after more than 30 years as a school librarian, says she has watched many friends struggle to navigate behavioral healthcare systems that often feel designed for younger populations.

“Sometimes seniors just give up trying to get help,” she said. “The process can feel overwhelming.”

The Commission warns that unmet behavioral health needs can lead to worse physical health outcomes and higher healthcare costs over time. Advocates are now urging local governments and policymakers to include older adults directly in planning decisions as counties develop new Integrated Plans under the Behavioral Health Services Act.

“Older Californians are at a critical intersection of health, aging, and equity,” Commission Chair Dr. David Lindeman said in the release. “We cannot afford to reduce services at a time when need is growing.”

State officials say California’s broader Master Plan for Aging is intended to address many of these concerns through expanded healthcare access, dementia prevention and care, affordable housing initiatives, climate preparedness programs, and greater support for caregivers.

The governor’s proclamation specifically highlighted “home and community care essential to our economy and our families” as well as efforts to improve “behavioral health system modernization, including more geriatric care.”

For Johnson, the discussion surrounding aging is ultimately about dignity and visibility.

“There are so many older people still contributing every day,” she said. “People volunteer, care for family members, mentor our grandchildren, and stay active in our communities. Aging shouldn’t mean becoming invisible.”

CCoA is encouraging Californians across the state to “Get Loud” in support of behavioral health protections for older adults, warning that the decisions being made now could shape the quality of life for millions of residents in the coming decades.

“Aging affects all of us, whether we are planning for ourselves, supporting a loved one, or helping build stronger communities,” the CCoA posted on its Facebook page. “Starting the conversation can open the door to support, planning, and connection.”

Find trusted aging and caregiving resources in your county at this link.