Ohio Department of Aging - Year in Review 2025

COLUMBUS, Ohio - After completing another tremendous year at the Ohio Department of Aging (AGE), we want to reflect on everything we accomplished in 2025. We appreciate the diligence and dedication from our partners and stakeholders this year and look forward to continuing to make Ohio the best place to age in the nation in 2026.

AGE Announces Launch of Newly Enhanced Ohio Long-Term Care Quality Navigator

In February 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and AGE Director Ursel J. McElroy announced the launch of the newly enhanced Ohio Long-Term Care Quality Navigator.

Formerly known as the Ohio Nursing Home Quality Navigator, the nationally recognized online tool provides users with detailed information about the quality of long-term care facilities across the state in one convenient digital location. The new name coincides with the addition of nearly 800 assisted living facilities to the Navigator, on top of the nearly 930 nursing homes that had previously been included.

The updated version of the Navigator retains all of its predecessor's core functions while adding access to assisted living facilities to maximize the number of choices for Ohioans evaluating long-term care options.

The updated Navigator also includes more data than ever for each facility, as well as a new "Care Quiz" feature that asks users simple questions to help direct them to the type of long-term care facility that may be best for them.

Visit the Navigator

AGE Celebrates First-Ever Older Ohioans Month

In May 2025, Ohio and AGE celebrated the first-ever Older Ohioans Month. Historically, Ohio has recognized May as Older Americans Month. However, Governor DeWine signed a bill officially designating May as Older Ohioans Month.

The Administration for Community Living's 2025 Older Americans Month theme was "Flip the Script on Aging." The theme challenges outdated stereotypes and highlights the fulfilling lives older adults lead every day. With more than one in four Ohioans expected to be over the age of 60 by 2030, AGE is committed to changing how aging is viewed and experienced across the state.

Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Jim Tressel issued a proclamation marking the occasion and encouraging all Ohioans to celebrate and recognize those aged 60 or older.

All-Inclusive Care for Seniors (PACE) Now Available in New Counties

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) opened in new counties across Ohio in 2025. PACE is a proven, person-centered managed care model for Ohio's most vulnerable older adults.

PACE bridges gaps in care for older adults with complex medical needs, allowing them to remain in their homes rather than move to a nursing facility. PACE integrates medical, social, and personal care services under one coordinated model that is a less costly alternative in comparison to other long-term care services.

PACE services are currently available in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Hamilton, Franklin, Lorain, Mahoning, Summit, and Trumbull counties. PACE is expected to expand into Lucas and Montgomery counties in 2026.

PACE Information

Find a local PACE center

AGE's New 'Healthy Aging Expo' Serves Thousands of Fairgoers

On July 29, 2025, AGE welcomed thousands of older Ohioans to its Healthy Aging Expo at the Ohio State Fair, sharing free wellness demonstrations, health screenings, and giveaways.

The Healthy Aging Expo was renamed in 2025 and in a new location at the Cardinal Patio. With free admission on the always-busy Senior Day, older Ohioans received tips on how to age in healthy ways from more than 25 state and community partner organizations.

State Plan on Aging (SPOA) Listening Sessions and Town Halls

In August and September 2025, AGE hosted six town halls across Ohio. Older Ohioans, caregivers, providers, and others had an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions aimed at helping Ohioans live longer, healthier lives with dignity and autonomy.

Combined with information AGE gathered at community listening sessions earlier in the summer, feedback from these new town halls will be used to develop Ohio's 2027-2030 State Plan on Aging (SPOA).

2027-30 State Plan on Aging Information

AGE Celebrates 2025 Class of Senior Citizens Hall of Famers

In September 2025, ten older Ohioans who have been pillars of their communities for decades were honored by AGE at the Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.

The members of the Class of 2025 come from seven different regions of the state and ranged in age from 61 to 103. In their professional and volunteer lives, members of the class include doctors, firefighters, advocates for older adults, community leaders, and many more.

2025 Ohio Senior Citizens Hall of Fame inductees:

• Connie Blum, 94, Dayton
• May Juan Chen, 78, Akron
• Joseph D. Fouss, 88, Whipple
• Mary Ann Freedman, 74, Akron
• Margaretha CJ Grootjes, 61, The Plains
• Ernest Matthew Hight Sr., posthumous, Youngstown
• Denise C. Niese, posthumous, Northwood
• Fran Ryan, 91, Columbus
• Jean E. Thompson, 75, Columbus
• Dr. Howard J. Tucker, 103, Cleveland Heights

WATCH VIDEO: "Meet the 2025 Hall of Famers"

WATCH VIDEO: "Hall of Fame Personalities"

AGE Hosts Governor's Policy Summit on Healthy Aging

Also in September 2025, AGE hosted the Governor's Policy Summit on Healthy Aging, which brought together Ohio's foremost thought leaders, policy makers, and changemakers to help shape the state's strategy to support healthy aging.

Governor DeWine served as the opening speaker at the summit. Governor DeWine and Director McElroy also received proclamations, designating Ohio as AARP's 13th Age-Friendly state.

The Age-Friendly designation, awarded by AARP in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), recognizes states and communities committed to being great places to grow older. Ohio already has 36 AARP-certified Age-Friendly Communities.

The event included additional guest speakers and policy sessions covering preparing for complex care, shaping systems for lifelong wellness, enabling transformation through technology, and more.

More Information About Governor's Policy Summit on Healthy Aging

Scholars in Aging Program Continues Opening Doors for Students in Aging Field

The Ohio Scholars in Aging Program provides students of all academic backgrounds with the opportunity to learn about aging-related policymaking, establish professional contacts, and gain career knowledge and skills in the field of aging. Scholars in the program also get a wide exposure to aging policies and programs at the state and local levels. Since 2013, more than 150 scholars representing about 20 Ohio colleges and universities have participated in Ohio Scholars in Aging.

The 2025 Scholars in Aging cohort included 10 students representing eight different schools in nine different areas of study. The program is a partnership between AGE and the Ohio Association of Gerontology Education and will be returning in 2026.

Launch of Ohio Residents' Rights Council

In October 2025, in honor of Long-Term Care Residents' Rights Month, the Ohio Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman announced the launch of the Ohio Residents' Rights Council.

This new statewide group brings together presidents of nursing home resident councils across Ohio. The council will facilitate dialogues and collaboration amongst resident council presidents, allowing them to share their experiences living in nursing homes, exchange best practices for effective resident councils, and discuss current issues impacting residents.

Ohio Residents' Rights Council

Ohioans Walk More Than 77 Million Steps in Support of Falls Prevention

In September 2025, Ohioans got their steps in, supporting AGE's 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls campaign by walking 77,096,000 steps to raise awareness of older adult falls. That number beats out the step total from 2024 by more than 3,979,500 steps - or - nearly 4 million steps.

Falls are not considered a normal part of aging, but they are the leading cause of injury among older Ohioans. Most falls, however, can be prevented. Regular exercise, like walking 15-30 minutes each day, is one of the many ways people can lower their risk. Ohioans can also take measures in their own homes to prevent falls.

Since its creation in 2015, AGE's 10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls campaign has been held during Falls Prevention Month in September to encourage Ohioans of all ages to walk at least one mile, either in a group or as an individual, for valuable exercise and as an opportunity to learn about other things they can do and local resources available to help prevent falls.

Learn more about Falls Prevention on AGE's website

About AGE - The Ohio Department of Aging serves and advocates for the needs of Ohioans age 60 and older, as well as their families, caregivers and communities. Programs include home and community based long-term supports and services, as well as initiatives to promote health and wellness throughout the lifespan. Visit https://www.aging.ohio.gov.