Parson signs executive order aiming to help older, aging residents

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ) 

Gov. Mike Parson signed an executive order on Thursday aiming to reduce age and disability discrimination, and eliminate barriers to safe and healthy aging, a press release stated.

There are more than 1.1 million Missouri residents older than 60 years old, a press release stated. Older adults will outnumber minors for the first time by 2030 and older adults will greatly outnumber minors by 2060.

"Older Missourians have worked hard, paid their dues, and helped teach and guide the next generations of Missourians,"  Parson said in the release. "We want to ensure they are able to enjoy their golden years with dignity and respect. That is why we are proposing a Master Plan on Aging. Through this plan, we will develop a 10-year framework that provides a guiding vision for policies and programs to support our senior communities."

The executive order calls on the Department of Health and Senior Services -- with the assistance of a new Advisory Council -- to develop a “master plan on aging” that addresses the needs and health outcomes for older adults and individuals with disabilities. DHSS has a deadline to create and release the plan by Dec. 31, 2025.