Issues
Seniors
Today, California has nearly four million people over the age of 65 – the largest such population in the nation. This figure is expected to double over the next several decades – with the greatest growth among Californians 85 and older.
With such dramatic growth expected in our senior population, it is crucial that California develop lasting policy solutions today. Our government must act as a primary advocate for our senior population, improving their quality of life by helping all California residents age with dignity, comfort and a sense of purpose – and with community support.
In San Francisco, where the population is older, per capita, than the rest of the state, Mayor Gavin Newsom has focused on ways to help enhance the quality of life for seniors by expanding transportation services, in-home support services and community-based programs that both involve and serve seniors.
Senior Escort Program: Mayor Newsom implemented a Senior Medical and Shopping Escort Service, a private-public partnership to provide elderly residents with group transportation and individual escorts for personal needs, including medical appointments, grocery shopping and going to banks and government offices.
In Home Supportive Services (IHSS): IHSS provides support services for San Francisco’s seniors so they can live with dignity in their homes. In the last five years, San Francisco’s In Home Supportive Services department has increased its caseload from 15,000 to 21,000 clients. Alongside local leaders, Mayor Newsom helped secure hourly wage increases for San Francisco’s IHSS workers – making them the highest paid in the state.
Community Living Fund: Mayor Newsom has twice helped secure $3 million investments to San Francisco’s Community Living Fund - a community-based program providing assistance for individuals who are currently or at risk of being institutionalized or who are willing and able to return to the community.
Community Service Opportunities: In an effort to engage seniors in volunteer opportunities and community service projects, Mayor Newsom has worked with San Francisco’s Department of Aging and Adult Services to provide volunteer opportunities for several thousand San Francisco seniors, including partnerships with Project Homeless Connect and local public school mentorship programs.
Join Our Policy Team: Gavin Newsom believes that the best plan is a better idea. If you would like to share your ideas and insights on how to reshape California's Seniors policy, please email us at issues@gavinnewsom.com.
