By 2030, one-in-four Californians will be over 60. Despite looming cuts, officials say the state remains committed to supporting older adults.
GLENDALE – Over 100 attendees gathered July 17, evening at ABC Studio for “The ABCs of Aging Town Hall: Getting Older and Wiser,” hosted live by ABC7 Eyewitness News anchor Mark Brown.
Sponsored by the California Department of Aging, the event brought together state and county officials, aging experts, and caregivers to address the pressing needs of California’s rapidly growing senior population.
Older adults from across the greater Los Angeles metro area and even from San Bernardino County gathered at Glendale’s iconic Grand Central Air Terminal, sharing unique perspectives and raising practical, often deeply personal questions about aging.
One woman traveled from Rancho Cucamonga to ask about long-term care insurance, while another woman shared her story of caring for her 104-year-old mother, who passed away recently. Now facing her own aging journey, she expressed her concerns with a mix of vulnerability and strength, prompting prolonged and heartfelt applause from the audience.
The expert panel emphasized the importance of early planning, open family communication, and the use of state-fund resources without hesitation. They also urged older adults to seek medical advice early, noting that conditions like urinary tract infections or vitamin deficiencies can mimic cognitive decline.
“People plan vacations… We should be planning retirement and aging with the same intention,” said Senior Director of Public Policy Barbra McLendon with Alzheimer’s Los Angeles, underscoring the value of proactive aging strategies.
Dr. Donna Benton, director of the Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center, highlighted the need for support among families facing dementia.
“Dementia is a progressive disease. Early intervention and support services—often available for free and in multiple languages — are essential,” she noted.
Panelists also addressed the financial challenges many seniors face, especially with soaring rent and living costs. They advised exploring resources like subsidized meals, transportation vouchers, and tax-funded caregiver support. “Don’t be ashamed to use services you’ve already paid into through your taxes,” one expert advised.
One of the most sobering topics was elder abuse, often inflicted by family members. “One-in-ten seniors faces some form of abuse,” said Dr. Laura Trejo, director of the LA County Department of Aging and Disabilities. She explained that abuse includes not only physical harm or financial exploitation, but also neglect, such as failing to provide food, medication, or hygiene care.
Dr. Trejo reminded the audience that signs of abuse should be reported immediately, and that assistance can be accessed through resources like 211.
The panel emphasized maintaining physical and mental health through diet, exercise, and social connection. Mediterranean diets, regular physical activity—even walking with a walker—and community engagement were recommended.
Despite looming budget constraints, California Department of Aging Director Susan DeMarois reaffirmed the state’s commitment to aging with dignity, referencing Governor Gavin Newsom’s Master Plan for Aging, a long-term initiative running through 2030.
“When Gov. Newsom took office in 2019, he knew that by 2030 one-in-four Californians will be over the age of 60 and we set in motion a plan to prepare for the year 2030,” Demarois said.
Amid concerns about potential federal budget cuts following the passage of legislation dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” signed by President Donald Trump, California officials sought to reassure the public.
“We’re still analyzing the Big Beautiful Bill. It’s quite in-depth and comprehensive, so it will have ramifications… especially on Medicaid,” said DeMarois.
However, she emphasized that for now, essential aging programs remain secure.
“I’m pleased to say that at both the federal and state levels, funding for key programs, including the Older American Act and community-based services, remains intact.”
Reflecting on the event, DeMarois shared what moved her most: the hopeful energy in the room. “What I appreciated most was how positive and empowering this conversation was.”
Aging Resources and Information
Statewide
California Department of Aging : (800) 510-2020, available weekdays 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
California Caregiver Resource Centers
National Center on Elder Abuse
Los Angeles County
LA County Aging & Disabilities Department : Dial 211
LA County Transportation Hotline: (888) 863-7411
City of Los Angeles Department of Aging : (213) 482-7252
Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center : (800) 540-4442
Orange County
Orange Co. Office on Aging : (714) 480:6450
Caregiver Resource Center OC : (714) 446:5030
Riverside County
Riverside Co. Office on Aging : Aging & Ability Resource Center : (877) 932-4100
Riverside Co. Family Caregiver Support : (877) 932-4100
San Bernardino County
San Bernardino Co. Aging and Adult Services : (909) 891-3900
San Bernardino Co. Family Caregiver Support Program : (800) 510-2020
Ventura CountyVentura Co. Area Agency of Aging : (805) 477-7300
