Missouri Lt. Gov. David Wasinger moderated a panel discussion on healthy aging and economic opportunity on Thursday during the National Lieutenant Governors Association Annual Meeting in Denver.
Addressing lieutenant governors and other state leaders from across the country, Wasinger emphasized how longer life expectancies and changing demographics require public policies that help older Americans remain independent and engaged in their communities.
“Longer life expectancies, declining birth rates, and changing population trends are reshaping our workforce, health care system, retirement, housing and the way our communities grow,” Wasinger said.
The panel featured Jarett Hughes, president and CEO of Leverage Colorado, and Lori Parham, senior vice president of state affairs for AARP. Hughes discussed strategies to strengthen financial security and reduce the cost of aging through public policy. Parham highlighted initiatives aimed at empowering Americans age 50 and older while strengthening state partnerships and communities.
Following the presentations, Wasinger moderated a discussion among the state leaders focused on successful initiatives, legislative priorities and best practices to promote economic security and healthy aging for older adults.
“As states prepare for the future, we have an opportunity to view an aging population not simply as a challenge, but as an asset,” Wasinger said. “By sharing ideas and learning from one another, we can develop policies that improve lives while strengthening our states’ economies.”
