NY S02077

Reorganizes and clarifies the primary purpose of the State Office for the Aging to inform and instruct the public, especially elderly persons, on needs, resources, rights, and entitlements affecting older people in New York State.

Expands the Office's powers and duties to include establishing volunteer opportunities for seniors, promoting age-integrated housing development with local government, and soliciting input from designated agencies and the aging on policy development and program implementation.

Requires the Office to develop a triennial State Plan on Aging with yearly updates based on regional, county, and local community needs, replacing the previous requirement for periodic reports to the governor.

Mandates annual reports to the governor, temporary president of the Senate, and speaker of the Assembly by January 31st, detailing progress on implementing the triennial plan and assessing impact of the growing senior population on state economy and human services resources.

Modifies annual report requirements to include updated topics such as informal caregiver support strategies, housing availability and affordability for elderly, nutritional programs, home and community health services, and technical assistance provided by the Office.