His plan: increase cooperation and communication between private providers and state and local government - specifically through "bulk-buy" contracts and the formation of an independent aging commission.

"I think the time is right," said the 51-year-old Democrat in an interview Friday. "It's time to look at more and better partnerships."

Which is why Matheson released Thursday a seven-page policy paper titled "We Can Do Better: A Pledge to Older Utahns." The paper outlines Matheson's plan for partnerships and increased collaboration.

Most notable is a call for creation of an independent Commission on Aging, a board that would help shape public policy decisions impacting Utah's older population.

"They will set priorities and suggest initiatives and suggest an agenda," Matheson said about the role of the proposed board. "I think it is a good vehicle" for improvement.

And while the board would be instrumental in addressing issues like health care and drug pricing, Matheson emphasized that support and direction would still be needed from the state's executive office.

Matheson would focus on supporting eight areas of concern to seniors: home health care, housing, public transportation, caregiver support, end-of-life care, public education, re-employment and safety.

Likewise, direction would be given for exploration of affordable prescription drugs and health care. Matheson is proposing the state look at "bulk-buy" contracts with pharmaceutical companies for purchase of prescription drugs.

"We aren't pursuing this approach as aggressively as I think we can and we should," Matheson said about the price-deflating practice of buying medication in bulk.

While Matheson's Republican challenger, Jon Huntsman Jr., has yet to release a formal policy paper, spokesman Jason Chaffetz said Huntsman was not ignoring the needs of senior citizens.

"We've talked about these issues and we will continue to do so," Chaffetz said, adding that the Huntsman campaign supports greater health-care options for seniors and reduction of some sales taxes on prescription drugs and food.

To review Matheson's plan, visit: http://www.mathesonforgovernor.com.

A statement from Huntsman's campaign about health care for seniors and others can be read at: http://www.votehuntsman.com.