“Flipping the Script on Aging”: California Pushes for Greater Support During Older Californians Month

May 28, 2026

As California concludes Older Californians Month in May, state officials are highlighting the rapid growth of the senior population and emphasizing the need to include older adults in mental and behavioral health discussions. Governor Newsom's proclamation notes that nearly nine million older Californians currently reside in the state, with projections showing one in four residents will be 60 or older by 2030. The California Commission on Aging has launched a statewide awareness initiative to ensure seniors aren't overlooked as counties restructure behavioral health services following Proposition 1's implementation.

Who is affected

Nearly nine million older California residents currently living in the state
More than one million Californians projected to be over age 85 by 2030
One in four Californians who will be age 60 or older by 2030
The 12% of older adults who experience mental illness annually
Roughly one in nine older adults who need substance use treatment each year
Carolyn Johnson and her friends (70-year-old Sacramento resident and retired school librarian)
Families, caregivers, and communities supporting older adults
County governments implementing behavioral health system changes

What action is being taken

Governor Gavin Newsom is issuing a proclamation recognizing Older Californians Month
The California Commission on Aging (CCoA) is launching a new statewide awareness initiative centered on older adult behavioral health
The Commission is releasing publications outlining concerns over service gaps and access barriers
CCoA is encouraging Californians to "Get Loud" in support of behavioral health protections for older adults
Counties are redesigning mental health and substance use services following Proposition 1 implementation
State officials are implementing California's Master Plan for Aging

Why it matters

This situation matters because California is experiencing a major demographic shift that will fundamentally reshape the state's healthcare, housing, and support systems. With one in four Californians projected to be 60 or older by 2030, ensuring older adults have access to behavioral health services is critical for their quality of life and dignity. Unmet behavioral health needs can lead to worse physical health outcomes and higher healthcare costs over time, affecting not just individuals but the broader economy. The current restructuring of behavioral health services through Proposition 1 presents both an opportunity and a risk—older adults could be left behind if they aren't actively included in planning decisions, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and creating service gaps for a rapidly growing population that faces unique barriers including transportation limitations, stigma, and healthcare systems designed for younger people.

What's next

Counties will develop new Integrated Plans under the Behavioral Health Services Act
Advocates are urging local governments and policymakers to include older adults directly in these planning decisions
The state will continue implementing the Master Plan for Aging through expanded healthcare access, dementia prevention and care, affordable housing initiatives, climate preparedness programs, and greater caregiver support
The governor's plan includes behavioral health system modernization with more geriatric care

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint