Santa Barbara County has released a report addressing the challenges and opportunities posed by its rapidly aging population.
Titled “Aging Well in Santa Barbara County: Moving Forward with the California Master Plan for Aging,” the report highlights the county’s shifting demographics and provides actionable recommendations to ensure age-friendly practices and policies that enable residents of all ages and abilities to thrive.
The report is produced by the Santa Barbara County Adult & Aging Network (AAN),
“It’s time to implement bold solutions to address the challenges facing older adults in our county and to prepare for the growing and complex needs of our aging population,” said 3rd District Supervisor Joan Hartmann, co-chair of the Adult and Aging Network.
“This report is a springboard for our community, offering important recommendations for a more coordinated plan to improve the quality of life for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and their caregivers, families, and loved ones,” she said.
The report showcases the county’s foundation of services and support while identifying critical areas for improvement. It calls for a collective, countywide response to address historically fragmented systems and proactively plan for increasing demands.
Key findings from the report were presented to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors at their hearing in Santa Maria on Jan. 14.
Demographic Shift with Urgent Implications
By 2030, one in four Californians will be 60 or older, and Santa Barbara County’s older adult population is projected to grow by 32% by 2060. Among individuals aged 60 and older:
- One in three will struggle with poverty.
- One in three will have a disability.
- One in five will develop some form of dementia.
- Seven in ten are likely to require long-term care.
This demographic shift underscores the urgent need for sustainable, long-term strategies to ensure older adults can live safely, affordably, and with dignity in their communities.
Key Goals and Priorities
The report aligns with California’s Master Plan for Aging (MPA) and focuses on three of the MPA’s five priority goals:
- Housing for All Stages & Ages: Addressing the acute need for affordable and accessible housing options to prevent homelessness and support aging in place.
- Caregiving That Works: Tackling the caregiver shortage by expanding workforce development programs and increasing support for family caregivers.
- Health Reimagined: Transforming health services to provide integrated, home- and community-based care that meets the diverse needs of older adults and people with disabilities.
Community Engagement and Leadership
The report reflects input from local leaders, service providers, and residents. Feedback was gathered through surveys, listening sessions, and community forums, ensuring that diverse voices, including those from underrepresented communities, guide the planning process.
“The good news is that California and its counties are taking deliberate steps to address these pressing issues,” said Barbara Finch, AAN director. “AAN is honored to lead the Master Plan for Aging in Santa Barbara County, offering a unique opportunity to co-create the compassionate and inclusive community we all want to live in.”
To advance this work, an MPA Advisory Committee has been established to review the report’s findings, consider community needs and priorities, and develop a comprehensive local Master Plan for Aging. This plan will be submitted to the California Department of Aging by June 2025.
The AAN and the local Master Plan Advisory Committee will continue to spearhead implementation efforts, with an emphasis on securing additional funding, engaging city and county planners, building partnerships, and expanding public awareness.
To read the full report, Aging Well in Santa Barbara County: Moving Forward with the California Master Plan for Aging, visit www.sbcaan.org/master-plan-for-aging.html.
AAN was created in 1999 as an advisory body to the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on issues relating to older adults and people with disabilities.