The Ohio State University’s Institute on Aging was represented by Co-Director Ashley Rosko, MD, and Program Manager Bhagvat Patel, MPH, at the 2026 Governor’s Policy Summit on Healthy Aging, hosted by the Ohio Department of Aging.
Held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, the second annual summit brought together leaders from government, health care, housing, advocacy, and aging services to discuss how Ohio can support healthy aging and improve the experience of growing older across the state.
Rosko and Patel joined Ohio State colleagues whose work spans nursing, dementia caregiving, research, and community engagement. Ohio State representatives included:
- Dr. Karen Rose, dean of the College of Nursing.
- Morgan Angles, MPH, CHES, program manager for the Golden Buckeye Center for Dementia Caregiving.
- Dr. Judith Tate, associate professor and member of the Institute on Aging’s Internal Advisory Committee.
- Dr. Lalita Kaligotla, associate professor in the College of Nursing.
The summit examined the connections among demographic change, economic development, and emerging technology. Sessions explored older adults’ contributions to Ohio’s economy, the influence of state and federal policy on economic participation, and the responsible use of aging-related data. Participants also considered how to assess the performance and value of Ohio’s aging services network, with policy sessions facilitated by ATI Advisory.
Ohio Department of Aging Director Ursel J. McElroy emphasized the importance of translating policy commitments into services that people can understand and access. Jennifer Kucera, director of policy, advocacy, and outreach at the Center for Disability Empowerment, delivered the closing presentation, adding an advocacy perspective to the day’s discussions.
For the Institute on Aging, participation in the summit reflects our commitment to connecting research with the needs of older adults, families, and caregivers. The presence of colleagues from across Ohio State demonstrated the breadth of expertise the university brings to this work and the importance of collaboration across disciplines.
We thank Director McElroy and the Ohio Department of Aging for creating a forum to exchange ideas, discuss shared priorities, and explore how research, policy, and community partnerships can improve aging for all Ohioans.