Across the United States, health officials are bracing for the rising population of senior citizens expected in the next couple years, as “Baby Boomers” approach retirement age and will likely need additional supports to secure affordable housing options, health care and other resources.

In what it calls the “Graying of America,” the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that by 2034, the number of people aged 65+ and older will outnumber children aged 18 and younger for the first time in the United State’s history.

Maryland officials are trying to get ahead of the problem, announcing a 10-year plan called the Longevity Ready Maryland initiative to boost supports for older residents in the state in coming years.

In a briefing about the plan Wednesday, Secretary Carmel Roques with the Maryland Department of Aging said that Longevity Ready Maryland is “designed to ensure that Marylanders can age with dignity, purpose and independence” by promoting collaboration between government agencies,  philanthropic efforts and the private sector.

“This is the only way we can truly begin to meet the challenges and also to really be able to realize the potential and benefits of an older and aging population,” Roques said, noting that there are over 1.4 million people over the age of 60 in Maryland as of now.

According to state estimates, about 1 in 4 Marylanders will be 60-years-old or older by 2030. By 2045, an estimated 315,000 people in the state will be age 85 or older.

“We must strengthen supports for people who are aging now and for people who are already older and their care givers,” Roques said.

 Gov. Wes Moore (D). (Photo by Bryan P. Sears / Maryland Matters.)

In a written statement, Gov. Wes Moore (D) said that the launch of Longevity Ready Maryland will work to support older Marylanders at a time when the Trump Administration has been cutting back on spending for programs that they rely on, such as Medicaid and food assistance.

“Maryland is stepping forward with urgency and a clear plan to put the well-being of older Marylanders front and center,” Moore said in the statement. “By coordinating action across state agencies, community organizations, and the private sector, Longevity Ready Maryland takes a resilient approach to aging and makes efficient use of every resource as federal support becomes less certain.”

The Longevity Ready Maryland roadmap has been under development for almost two years, following Moore’s executive order issued on Jan. 3, 2024, to create the initiative.

The roadmap outlines four overarching goals, each with short-term and long-term policy suggestions to achieve those initiatives:

• Build inclusive communities that are friendly to senior residents and their needs,
• Strengthen the caregiver workforce,
• Invest in health programs so that older people can stay healthier longer,
• Create more affordable housing opportunities and promote financial planning so seniors can have stable housing option.

“Maryland is at a demographic crossroads,” the executive summary of the plan says. “Longer lives and declining birth rates have introduced a significant shift in how our current systems will need to function as the growing number of older adults continues to expand.”

With the multi-agency, multi-sector collaboration, the Moore administration hopes to aid aging residents with the many challenges that come with old age, such as housing needs, financial challenges and health care services.

Danielle Meister, assistant secretary of homeless solutions with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, said that the need for affordable housing options that are suitable for older people is “one of the big needs” for the senior population.

“We’re facing a severe shortage of affordable housing in our state,” she said,” but this need is more acute and significant for older adults.”

She said that department data estimates that 130,000 Marylanders 65-years-old and older face a housing cost burden, meaning they pay more than 30% of their income on rent or a mortgage.

“It makes it really difficult, especially for older adults who are often on restricted incomes, to meet their basic needs,” Meister said.

The state also needs additional accessible housing so more Marylanders can “age in place independently” and not have to move into a new living situation when more health needs or disabilities arise.

Allison Roenigk Ciborowski, President and CEO of LeadingAge Maryland, said in a written statement Wednesday that said that the “important — and hardest — work lies ahead.”

“A plan is only as good as how it is implemented and resourced,” she said in the statement. “We are thrilled to see the full support of LRM by the Governor, and we are eager to continue to work closely with MDOA, state agencies, and legislators to ensure that the goals for coordination and collaboration truly come to life.”

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by Danielle J. Brown, Maryland Matters
July 31, 2025

Maryland Matters is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Maryland Matters maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Steve Crane for questions: editor@marylandmatters.org.

Like most people, you’ve probably heard that activity and exercise are good for you. The frailty and decreased energy often associated with aging is largely due to muscle loss.  (Here’s where I can’t resist adding the adage “Use it or lose it”.)  So true.  

Being physically active on a daily basis is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself.  As a matter of fact, exercise is THE key to maintaining your mobility and prolonging your INDEPENDENCE!  It is central to daily functioning…think about it.  Your daily activities like getting out of bed, rising out of a chair, standing in the shower, carrying groceries, walking down the hall.  They all require strength and energy, and one of the best ways to keep muscles healthy and strong and to increase the body’s vigor is with mobility-enhancing exercises.  Also called strength training or resistance training, these exercises are among the best ways to fight weakness and frailty that can come with age.  If done regularly they will build bone and muscle and help preserve your INDEPENDENCE.

So, let’s make our founding fathers proud, take back our freedom of movement and refuse to surrender to the tyranny of aging!  We may be born into a life of liberty, but we must not ever remain idle. After all, the key to INDEPENDENCE (and therefore happiness) lies in the pursuit!

Susan S. Covey, Director of Fitness Acts Bayleigh Chase

It is time to spread awareness and understanding of Parkinson’s Disease. This is a chronic condition affecting approximately one million people in the U.S. This is more than the number of people living with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and Lou Gehrig’s disease combined. Every year in our country 60,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s. There are 10 million worldwide.

The causes of Parkinson’s are still unknown, but researchers believe it is a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Though only 15-25% of people with Parkinson’s have a relative with the disease, those with first-degree relatives have a slightly elevated risk of developing the disease. Environmental toxins may be a greater risk than any other factor. Rural living, well water, manganese, and pesticides have been associated with an elevated risk of Parkinson’s. Scientists quickly emphasize that although certain neurotoxins may be a risk factor, no single exposure to a particular chemical has been directly pinpointed as a cause.

Treating Parkinson’s disease is more about managing symptoms and slowing the progression than it is about “curing” this disease.

One thing we know for sure is that exercise is medicine for people living with Parkinson’s. Exercise is a physiological tool that protects neurons at risk or compromised, and guides brain health, protection, repair, and adaptation after a neurodegenerative process occurs…otherwise known as neuroplasticity. Once triggered by exercise, these physiological mechanisms have the potential to slow disease progression!

Please join me in raising awareness for Parkinson’s Disease by exercising on National Parkinson’s Day, April 10th. Bike, walk, box, dance, swim—any movement you can do—and think about those who are living with this disease and their caregivers.

Susan Covey is the Acts Bayleigh Chase Fitness Director and Rock Steady Boxing Coach

But what is this you say about our neighbor and Atlantic shore sharer Delaware and its official state cocktail, which happens to be the Orange Crush?

Yes, this is a juicy tale indeed, as Maryland Delegate to the Assembly, Wayne Hartman of District 38C in Worchester and Wicomico Counties, tells it.

“In August of last year, the State of Delaware decided to take credit for the Orange Crush and declare it as their official state cocktail,” explains Hartman, who co-sponsored HB 1001 with Maryland Senator Stephen S. Hersey.

“This proclamation stems from the drink’s similar popularity in Delaware, and because of a bar in Dewey Beach claiming to have ‘perfected’ the cocktail. While imitation is the best form of flattery, credit for this nationally known drink should go to Maryland.”

The lip-smacking roots of the Orange Crush goes back decades to its origination in 1995 in a West Ocean City bar called the Harborside Bar & Grill, and its co-founders, Chris Wall and Lloyd Whitehead. And since that inception, Hartman says, many have tried to rebrand and redefine the Orange Crush as their own, but Hartman stresses that only the Harborside Bar & Grill has the true bragging rights to say, “Often Imitated, Never Duplicated”.

In fact, the rivalry for Orange Crush supremacy has spilled over to the District, reportedly going viral between senators Chris Coons of Delaware and Ben Cardin of Maryland as they participated in a good-natured Orange Crush making competition prior to last summer’s recess. We are happy to report that Team Maryland bested the concoction put forth by “The First State”.

In addition to bragging rights, the official designation brings with it the potential to  help boost tourism dollars in the State, as it serves up a prime menu item for promotion.

“The Orange Crush is not just a drink but part of the Maryland experience,” says Maryland Tourism Coalition’s Executive Director, Ruth Toomey.

The designation, she adds, will undoubtedly drive more tourism and strengthen the state’s economy. With the current 9% alcohol tax on each beverage served, passing HB 1001 would create a perfect opportunity for celebratory events across bars and restaurants, boosting both food and beverage sales.

“By designating the Orange Crush as the official cocktail, we can also stimulate new campaigns with liquor stores and distributors, spotlighting key ingredients like orange vodka.”

While the Orange Crush originated in Ocean City, the popularity of its juicy, icy goodness grew rapidly and has since been known to be promoted in various counties throughout the state, including Queen Anne’s with its annual Crabs N’ Crushes campaign that guides visitors to the places where crabs are noted to be delectably pared with this refreshing counterpart.

So, what crab dish best floats the boat for taste with this illustrious bill’s sponsor?

“Delegate Hartman likes to pair an Orange Crush with a Maryland Crab Cake,” says Hartman staffer, Will Smith.

The quest to make the Orange Crush the official state cocktail is currently awaiting a vote in the State Senate after unanimously passing in the House with a 137-0 vote.

Lead photo by Lisa Gotto

Lisa Gotto is a recent resident to Chestertown, who is greatly enjoying learning more about the area, its people, and what makes living here so special. She hopes to continue doing that through her work with the Spy and her role as owner of Tea Leaves Media, LLC,  a communications and content generation company. Since acquiring her B.A. In Communications & Journalism from Shippensburg University of PA, Lisa has been writing and editing for decades for numerous media outlets including The Morning Call and Lehigh Valley Style in Easton, Pennsylvania, and What’s Up? Media in Annapolis.