In a new policy paper, Building an Experience Dividend: State Governments Lead Call to Engage Boomers, released today by Civic Ventures and funded by The UPS Foundation, Arizona, California, Maryland, New York and Massachusetts stand out for their efforts to engage adults over 50 in meaningful work and community service.

"The most interesting and innovative policy work on the aging of America is taking place at the state level," said John Gomperts, president of Civic Ventures. "From Sacramento to Annapolis, state legislatures are shifting the focus from the same old doom and gloom scenario to a much more complex and hopeful picture."

In Arizona, where more than 25 percent of the population of several counties is over the age of 60, a diverse group of stakeholders has joined together through the Mature Workforce Initiative to develop policy recommendations and launch new programs, such as a certification program given to businesses deemed "mature-worker friendly."

California is focusing on matching boomers’ desire to serve with specific labor shortages, such as the demand for math and science teachers and qualified managers in the public sector. California’s eServices office has created a database for retired job seekers to input their skills and interest, and for employers to search for employees.

And in Maryland, the Baby Boomer Initiative Act spurred the creation of the Boomer Initiative Council, which is tasked with developing a strategy to keep boomers engaged in their communities through work and volunteer opportunities.