About the Executive Office of Elder Affairs

The Executive Office of Elder Affairs was established more than 50 years ago and was one of the nation's first agencies responsible for addressing the needs of older people. Today, the agency manages programs and services that are available to 1. 7 million older adults and their family caregivers and supports an extensive aging services network. These programs and services provide supports to help people age in the community of their choice, most often in their home or other community-based setting. 

The agency strives to be the trusted, first point of contact for older adults and their caregivers. However, research has shown the growing older population does not identify with the term "elder." Modernizing the agency's name reduces negative images about aging, normalizes aging as a natural process and emphasizes that older people value independence and self-determination.

The new name was selected following significant research that included focus groups, surveys, and conversations with older adults, caregivers, service providers, and advocacy organizations. This research revealed that aging adults do not connect with the term “elder,” and often associate the term with someone who is at the end of their life. Instead, residents prefer neutral terms such as “aging” and “older people.” Additionally, research showed older adults deeply value the ability to maintain their independence through the aging journey. From these findings, the agency developed a new name to more accurately reflect its programs and services, and better connect with eligible adults.

In addition to updating the agency's name, we are rolling out a new new mission, vision, and value set to usher in a new, more expansive, model for older adults aging in community.

Mission

Together we support aging adults to live and thrive, safely and independently— how and where they want.

Vision

We envision a state in which every person has the tools, resources, and support they need to fully embrace the aging experience. 

Values

Partnership: We value partnership—we can achieve more together.

Inclusion: We value inclusion—diversity strengthens our state and ourselves.

Justice: We value justice—combating ageism is core to our work.

Humanity: We value humanity—caring for each other is why we are here.

Community: We value community—it supports and sustains us.

Connection: We value connection—it’s the heart of wellbeing and belonging.

Choice: We value personal choice—autonomy is the foundation of independence.