Enhancing Life for Older Adults and across the life span
Promoting age-friendly policies for healthier communities.
Enhancing Life for Older Adults and across the life span
Promoting age-friendly policies for healthier communities.
The impact of age-friendly policy on New York State
What is Age-Friendly?
In 2018, the Governor of New York signed Executive Order-190 (EO-190) which focuses on the implementation of Age-Friendly principles and health across all policies through State Agencies and Departments. EO-190 aims to enhance the quality of life for older adults by promoting age-friendly policy, programming and frameworks. By recognizing the growing population of older adults and their contributions to society, this order emphasizes the need for supportive communities which enable them to remain independently in their homes and communities as active participants. Serving as the basis for age-friendly policy and programming in New York State, EO-190 is responsible for driving change in creation of inclusive initiatives and communities for the older adult population.
The Governor of New York (2022) signed Executive Order 23 (EO-23) which establishes the New York State Master Plan for Aging (MPA). EO-23 expands upon the mandate set forth in EO-190 by calling for the development of a comprehensive, cross-sector plan to prepare for the aging demographic in New York State. EO-23 recognizes the long-term planning required to breakdown policy silos. EO-23 formalizes and broadens the scope of EO-190 by requiring a cohesive Master Plan that encompasses housing, transportation, healthcare, caregiving and social participation.
Demographics
The aging population 60 plus continues to be the fastest growing segment of the population, resulting in the increased need for age-friendly policies. Similar to the rest of the United States, the population in New York State’s 62 counties is growing older. In 2025, the population of individuals age 60 and over was projected to account for 25% of all people in 33 counties and 30% of people in 18 counties (NYSOFA, 2021). Approximately 82% of New York State’s counties will see a significant portion of their populations aged 60 plus by the end of this year.
New York State Office for the Aging. (2021). Annual Report 2021. https://aging.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2022/07/2021-annual-report.pdf
Purpose
This dissertation project is being conducted by Trista Bercarich through West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
The study aims to understand the impact of age-friendly policy, specifically examining how Executive Order 190 (EO-190) has influenced strategies, programs, and frameworks that shape community development efforts to support residents across the lifespan as they age.
By exploring the impact of age-friendly policy in New York State, this research seeks to provide valuable insights into how public policy can drive systemic change to enhance the quality of life for older adults. The findings on the effectiveness of EO-190 will help inform future policy decisions and may serve as a model for other states to create more inclusive, age-friendly communities.
Survey
Survey collection has been paused as of July 22, 2025.
Thank you for your participation!
Please continue to check back for updates.
Work with me
Are you ready to make your community more Age-Friendly, Livable and Inclusive for All Ages? I partner with municipalities, non-profit agencies, institutions of higher education and hospital systems to turn policy into practice--bridging research, planning and implementation through real-world evidence-based strategies.
Services Offered
Policy and Program Consulting
- Assess Age-Friendly readiness and alignment with AARP Domains of Livability and Executive Order-190 and Executive Order-23.
- Develop community or organizational Age-Friendly Actions plans.
- Evaluate programs and recommend measurable and data-informed improvements.
Training, Speaking and Workshops
- Keynotes and presentations on Age-Friendly policy, livability and intergenerational engagement.
- Customized trainings for staff, educators and community leaders.
- Guest lectures and academic workshops in gerontology, public administration and sociology.
Research and Grant Collaboration
- Policy analysis, report writing and Age-Friendly impact studies.
- Guidance on integrating Age-Friendly frameworks into grant proposals or program evaluations.
Why Work with Me?
With over 20 years of experience in aging services, behavioral health and community-based program administration, I bring a practitioner-scholar perspective that connects data, policy and lived experience. As a Doctor of Public Administration (D.P.A.) candidate at West Chester University of Pennsylvania with a certificate in gerontology, my research examines how state-level initiatives shape community development and livability outcomes.
Let's Connect!
If you're interested in collaborating or would like to discuss consulting, training or speaking opportunities, please contact: TristaAFPPI@gmail.com.
Together we can design policies and programs that make communities thrive for every generation.
