Dear Editor,

Georgia’s aging population is expanding rapidly, with over 20% of residents currently aged 60 and older. This demographic shift, projected to continue its upward trajectory, presents a significant challenge, as the state’s investment in aging programs and services has demonstrably failed to keep pace.

Georgia’s approach to elder care lags considerably behind national standards. The persistent neglect of essential resources, exemplified by the long-unaddressed needs of senior centers struggling with overcrowding and a lack of expansion right here in Liberty County, underscores this deficiency.

From housing and healthcare to transportation, older adults in Georgia face systemic obstacles.

My experience as a gerontologist and hospice marketer confirms these widespread struggles. In 2025, the question remains: why does this disparity persist in the 21st century? The apparent undervaluing of elderly citizens in Coastal Georgia is a glaring issue, and after nearly eight years residing here via the military, I have witnessed minimal progress.

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) serves as a prime example of this deficiency. This highly effective model provides comprehensive, integrated care encompassing healthcare, social activities, assessments, mental health support, and transportation, all funded through Medicare and Medicaid. PACE demonstrably reduces institutionalized care, generating significant cost savings for states.

While California boasts 35 PACE programs and Florida over 30, Georgia currently has none.

Although recent efforts by the Georgia Department of Community Health to implement PACE are acknowledged, it is critical to recognize that this program has been available to states since 1997.

Georgia’s delayed adoption represents a critical failure to address the urgent needs of its aging population.

Andrea Valdez