Health and Aging Policy at IPA

Older women participate in group fitness class at Senior Center

Advancing Healthy Aging in Delaware

The Institute for Public Administration (IPA) works with a variety of governmental and nonprofit organizations on policies and programs that address the diverse needs and issues facing older Delawareans, including healthy aging and social isolation. IPA's work in this area includes research, needs assessments, data and mapping tools for policy analysis, project management, and professional development services. 

 

Expertise in Health and Aging Policy

  • Program evaluation
  • Needs assessments
  • Mapping and policy analyses
  • Training and technical support on aging in place 
  • Meeting and workshop facilitation 
  • Research, reports, and policy briefs

Featured Partnerships

Longtime Laurel senior center director Penny Duncan sits with IPA and Biden School Alumna Rachel Linstead Goldsmith.

Delaware Senior Center Grant in Aid (GIA) Funding Formula

Sponsored by the Delaware General Assembly, IPA partners with the Office of the Controller General staff to facilitate a funding formula that supports the state’s senior center programs. Biennial site visits with center staff, along with annual program assessments and analysis of demographic trends, are key components to this annual work plan. Senior centers are community anchors that offer a variety of activities aimed at keeping our state’s older adults independent and engaged in community. 

Image featuring IPA staff member Julia O’Hanlon co-presenting with Delaware Sea Grant partner Danielle Swallow at the Roxanna Fire Hall

DE-PLANs—Delaware Equitable Planning for Local Adaption Needs

Through its partnership with the Delaware Sea Grant program, IPA staff provides GIS expertise and analysis to maintain a hub site designed to aid state and local agencies, service providers, and emergency planners with data and information to support our state’s growing older adult population. Funded by DEMA, DE-PLANS represents the work IPA and Delaware Sea Grant have done collaboratively since 2019, to bridge areas of expertise and work on hazard mitigation, aging in place, flooding, and planning.

VIsit the DE Plans Hub Site

Engaging Students in APPLIED Research

Hannah Rigoglioso earned her Master of Public Administration degree from the Biden School in 2024. While serving as a Public Administration Fellow, Hannah supported IPA’s work with the Delaware Office of the Controller General on assessing the program and participation levels of Delaware’s Grant-in-Aid-eligible senior centers. This included on-site visits and regular communication with center staff about the services and activities offered to support healthy aging.

Students working on IPA’s health and aging-related projects gain real-world experience while developing critical organizational, communication, and leadership skills that are important for career development. Students working with IPA staff on health and aging-related projects have obtained positions in the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, nonprofit organizations focused on services for older adults, housing, transportation, and federally qualified healthcare centers.

These experiences fueled Hannah's passion for supporting and working with Delaware's aging population.

 

Photo of Hanna Rigoglioso