About the Forum

Purpose of the Stakeholder Forum

A statewide Senior Center Stakeholder Forum will allow senior center directors and other stakeholders from across the state to gather together to share information and engage in a discussion about the future roles and needs of senior centers as well as to identify the policy implications of that discussion. 

The information gathered at the forum along with the results of a survey of senior center infrastructure needs will be incorporated into a report for presentation to the Governor, State Legislature and other interested parties.

Why a Senior Center Stakeholder Forum

Historically senior centers have been viewed as the community’s focal point for older adult services -- the trusted first point of entry for assistance and support to older adults and/or their families and caregivers. 

With the baby boomer population already reaching age 65, it is an appropriate time for a statewide discussion about the future of California’s senior centers. A forum would attract stakeholders fully representative of the state and its diversity.  The network of centers is already in existence and should be fully utilized in future service delivery.

Outcomes of the Forum

There are several outcomes that will be realized by a statewide convening of Senior Center Stakeholders, including an opportunity to:

• learn about national trends and determine their applicability to California.
• reflect on the changing demographics, statewide funding pressures and attitudes about aging in order to determine what impacts these might have on future senior center programming, management styles, and funding demands.
• share program models that demonstrate success in meeting changing community demographics, discuss policy issues and recommend changes.
• Affirm that senior centers have and will continue to have an important role to play in the delivery of community-based and long-term care services in California.