HCOA Area Agency on Aging (AAA) 4-year Plan 2023 - 2027

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2020 State and County population characteristics. As expected, Hawaiʻi is at the top of the diversity index with 77 percent of its population a minority race. In Hawaiʻi County, Asians (alone or in combination) accounted for 45% of the population. Hawaiʻi County also has the largest share of Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders at 34.4%, as well as the highest share of people identifying as White at 54.6%. Regarding language diversity, 18.7% of people speak English as a second language. The life expectancy in Hawaiʻi County is one of the highest in the nation, with women outliving men by almost seven years. As the aging population grows for Hawaiʻi County women will continue to represent a larger percentage (51%) of the older population. These demographics will play an integral part in guiding the development, implementation, and delivery of service as we strive to fulfill the five major key topics for the 2023-2027 Area Plan. The Area Plan is a living document. Development of this plan is to encompass one of the most historic periods of growth in the elderly population in the State and Hawaiʻi County. Multiple approaches, and a variety of sources will be used to continuously address the ongoing needs and areas of concern for older individuals in the life period of the 2023 -2027 Area Plan on Aging for Hawaiʻi County. Finally, the success of this Area Plan, is due to the incredible foundation laid by the Older Americans Act (OAA) and the Aging Network. The mission and goals of the AAA’s programs are just as relevant and important today as they were five decades ago. The OAA structure of “bottom up” planning continues to ensure that our shared mission continues to reach the growing numbers of increasingly diverse older adults and caregivers. Whether it is contracting with health care, partnering with public health, expanding into serving people with disabilities, addressing population health and addressing the diverse social drivers of health, or exploring other avenues, the aging network is pushing the envelope to create new opportunities to serve more people. The missions of the AAAs programs are the heart and soul of the aging network. It is what makes us successful at what we do, because it is what we are all about today, and into the future. As the designated AAA for Hawaiʻi County, and part of the national aging network, the Hawaiʻi County Office of Aging (HCOA) will continue to fill the vital role of serving older adults and their caregivers into the next 50 years. As the cover to our Area Plan depicts, the success of new and innovated services will be based upon the lessons learned during the first 50 years. The solid foundations laid, will pave the way for creative and innovative ideas that will allow the AAA to continue fulfill the mission and vision of the OAA. viii