Imagine a community where a recent graduate and a retiree collaborate on projects, each valued for their unique contribution. Imagine a workplace where wisdom is honored and innovation is encouraged, no matter a person’s age. This is not a distant dream; it is a future we can build together, starting today.

Achieving this vision, however, requires us to confront a significant barrier: ageism. As Ageism Awareness Day approaches on October 9th, it is the perfect time to address this challenge.

While our society has rightly begun to confront many other forms of prejudice, age-based discrimination often remains a final, acceptable bias. Whether it’s a qualified older worker being passed over for a promotion or a younger person in a leadership role facing condescending comments, these harmful assumptions limit individual opportunities and rob our communities of the immense potential needed to thrive.

We can combat ageism by questioning our own biases, creating opportunities for people of all ages to connect, and speaking up against ageist language. This is precisely why Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM) is so critically important. It provides a statewide roadmap to dismantle the stereotypes that limit opportunity and build a community where everyone is valued.

To learn more about how Maryland is creating a future for all ages, visit LRM.Maryland.gov.

Governor Moore's Cabinet Retreat Leadership Training. Photo Credit: Office of Gov Moore

On Ageism Awareness Day and beyond, let's commit to seeing the person, not just the number, and work together to end age bias. We can start by recognizing stereotypes, challenging assumptions, and reframing aging by focusing on the value of people at every stage of life.

For community leaders ready to take the next step, MDOA is hosting a special event: Aging Reframed through Community Conversations

Join us for this hybrid (in-person and virtual) workshop to learn about practical resources for reframing aging and creating momentum for community-driven action. The free event will also feature an interactive activity with Art Against Ageism.

• When: Thursday, October 9th, from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM
• Where: East Columbia 50+ Senior Center & Virtually

Click here to learn more and register for the in-person or virtual event.

This October, in honor of Residents' Rights Month, the Maryland Long-Term Care Ombudsman program and AgingIN present the Transforming Long-Term Care in Maryland Culture Change Symposium series.

Free for Maryland providers, this series is for all levels of leadership—from direct-care staff to administrators, Ombudsmen, surveyors, and educators. Sessions will feature real-world strategies for advancing person-centered care, keynotes from national experts, and dynamic panel discussions with residents, ombudsmen, and surveyors. Connect with peers to build your network, share challenges, and celebrate successes.

Ready to lead the change? Click here to learn more and register.

What if the key to a stronger community isn't fixing what's broken, but building on what's already strong? That's the core of Asset-Based Community Development. This approach empowers neighborhoods by leveraging existing assets—from the skills of individual residents and the power of local groups to the presence of institutions and shared spaces like libraries, schools, and parks—to create positive change.

This "strengths-based" model is a powerful tool for building a Longevity Ready Maryland where all residents can thrive. To bring this approach to more neighborhoods, MDOA in partnership with UMBC is launching a series of Asset-Based Community Development Workshops.

These sessions are designed for community leaders, professionals, and advocates who want to learn how to identify and mobilize the assets in their own communities to better support older adults and residents of all ages. The first training takes place in Frostburg, MD on October 29th, with future sessions planned in Prince George’s County and the Eastern and Lower Shores.

Click here to register for the first session. Stay up to date on upcoming workshops at lrm.maryland.gov/stakeholders.

Mark your calendars! The annual Medicare Open Enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7. This is the key time of year for Medicare beneficiaries to review their current health and prescription drug coverage and make any changes for the upcoming year.

Your current plan’s costs, benefits, and list of covered prescription drugs could be different next year. Taking time to compare your options is the best way to ensure you have the right coverage for your health needs and budget in 2026.

You don't have to navigate this alone. Maryland’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, confidential, and unbiased one-on-one counseling to help you understand your options and compare plans. As this is a busy time of year, we recommend calling early to schedule an appointment. Find the number for your local SHIP office at aging.maryland.gov/SHIP.

During National Preparedness Month, MDOA publicly recognized the heroic staff of the Allegany County Area Agency on Aging for their extraordinary service protecting older Marylanders.

On behalf of Governor Wes Moore, Secretary Roques presented official citations to members of their team for their bravery and unwavering dedication during the severe flooding that impacted Western Maryland in May. These citations celebrate the critical role our local partners play every day and highlight the courage at the heart of public service. The Governor's support for the region extends beyond these honors, and he has appealed the federal government's denial of a Major Disaster Declaration to secure critical recovery resources for Western Maryland.

To witness these special presentations, visit the MDOA YouTube channel. Visit the MDOA emergency preparedness webpage for resources to create or update your plan: aging.maryland.gov/Pages/EmergencyPreparedness

Allegany County Area Agency on Aging staff were honored for their individual acts of courage during the May floods: At the senior centers, Mary Parmer, Manager of the Westernport facility, stayed behind to protect the building and its residents from the rising waters, and Rhonda Hardman, the Older Americans Act Program Manager, took charge in Lonaconing to care for ten displaced older adults. Frances Wilson, Manager of the Lonaconing Senior Center, and Jonathan Worgan, a Home-Delivered Meal Driver, braved hazardous, flooded roads to ensure clients received essential meals.

Secretary Roques and Secretary Beatty of the Maryland Department of Disabilities recently got a sneak peek of Patuxent Commons, a new community nearing completion in Columbia. During a hard hat tour, they saw firsthand its innovative model: an inclusive, mixed-income apartment community where people of all ages, incomes, and abilities can live and thrive together.

What sets Patuxent Commons apart is its intentional design. Unlike apartments that cater to a single demographic, it is purposefully intergenerational and mixed-income, creating an equitable and diverse community. Its core mission is to foster social connection and prevent isolation, with shared spaces designed to encourage interaction and build relationships among neighbors.

By creating this supportive environment, Patuxent Commons provides a powerful model for aging in place—a primary goal of LRM. Learn more at www.PatuxentCommons.com.

Calling all family and informal caregivers—past and present!

As we prepare for National Family Caregivers Month in November, we want to hear from you. If you care for a parent, spouse, or friend, please share your challenges, joys, and what keeps you going.

Help us uplift the caregiving community by taking our brief survey. Click here to share your story and inspire others.

This October, join thousands of fellow Marylanders in celebrating the joy of walking. It’s a simple way to enjoy the beautiful autumn season and a step toward a healthier you.

During Walktober, Maryland celebrates the official state exercise: walking. The entire month is dedicated to enjoying the outdoors and the benefits of an active lifestyle for any age, and it all kicks off on Wednesday, October 1st, with Walk Maryland Day.

Throughout October, the Maryland Department of Transportation will hold a series of free 90-minute webinars, better known as Walkinars, centered around walking. Walkinars are intended to help planners, local officials, walking advocates, and the public at large make walking safer throughout the state. Click here to learn more and register for this month's Walkinars.

Pictured from left: Sheila Murphy, Cecil County Community Wellness Chief; Adam Streight, Cecil County Government Executive; Tami Clark, MDOA Nutrition Program Manager; LaQueena Warfield, Elkton Center & Data Manager; David Trolio, Cecil County Dept. of Community Services Director

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