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Department of Aging

Maryland Secretary of Aging Carmel Roques Joins Global Summit to Champion Healthy Longevity

News |

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 10, 2026

Longevity Summit Explores Closing the Gap Between Healthspan and Lifespan Through Science, Innovation, and Integrated Community-Based Care

BALTIMORE, MD — Today, the Maryland Department of Aging Secretary Carmel Roques joins global thought leaders, scientists, and forward-thinking aging services professionals at the AgingIN Longevity Summit in Denver, Colorado. AgingIN is a global non-profit organization that supports person-directed living and empowered cultures in the community of one’s choice. The Longevity Summit focuses on closing the gap between how well we live (healthspan) and how long we live (lifespan)—a core priority of Longevity Ready Maryland (LRM), the state’s first multisector plan for aging.

Recognizing Maryland’s national leadership in planning for longer, healthier lives through LRM and the state’s recent designation as an official AARP/WHO Age-Friendly State, AgingIN invited Secretary Roques to close out the summit by highlighting how Maryland’s state and local efforts align with global healthy aging priorities.

The summit opens with Dr. Shelly Chadha of the World Health Organization (WHO), who will introduce the audience to key priority areas that, when addressed, can prevent, delay, or even reverse declines in mental and physical health. These priorities are part of the WHO’s Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) framework, which equips health and social care professionals with evidence-based assessment tools to identify declines early, preserve functional ability, support healthy aging, and prevent care dependency.

“Ensuring that people live not only longer lives, but healthier and more fulfilling ones, requires a fundamental shift toward person-centered, integrated care,” said Dr. Shelly. “Maryland’s proactive vision through Longevity Ready Maryland provides a powerful model for how states can translate science, innovation, and community support into meaningful care for older adults.”

“At AgingIN, we are grateful to partner with organizations like the Maryland Department of Aging to reimagine aging where people maintain purpose, independence, and well-being for as long as possible,” said Susan Ryan, AgingIN CEO.

The LRM Act, passed earlier this year, establishes Maryland as a national leader in aging policy by permanently embedding a longevity-planning approach across state government. This landmark legislation creates a strong foundation for implementing coordinated, person-centered strategies that match healthspans to lifespans. 

 “To build a Maryland where everyone can age with dignity, we must shift our focus from simply managing diseases to actively preserving functional health,” said Maryland Secretary of Aging Carmel Roques. “Participating in this national dialogue at AgingIN allows us to collaborate on best practices that will keep Marylanders healthy, active, and independent for longer.”

To learn more about the pre-conference summit, visit AgingIn’s Longevity Summit web page. To learn more about ICOPE, visit the WHO’s Integrated care for older people approach (ICOPE) web page.

Media Contact: Colleen Doyle at [email protected].

 

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AgingIN is a global nonprofit dedicated to being the catalyst for person-directed living and empowered cultures in the community of one’s choice. Their consulting, technical assistance, and education services empower aging services providers to implement lasting change and transformation that is meaningful and measurable. 

World Health Organization is the United Nations’ specialized agency for international public health. Its Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities supports over 1,500 members worldwide, including AARP, in creating environments that foster healthy aging and social inclusion across the lifespan.

Maryland Department of Aging is dedicated to transforming institutions, systems, and norms so all older adults lead healthy, financially secure, and purposeful lives. Through the Longevity Ready Maryland framework, the Department prepares for a growing older population by advancing multisector collaborations and providing equitable access to resources.