As New York’s population ages, more older adults face complex decisions about health, finances, and daily life—often amid cognitive change. Too often, guardianship is used as a default solution, even when less restrictive options may be appropriate. This new publication from Project Guardianship and its partners explores the potential of Supported Decision-Making (SDM) as an alternative framework for older adults. Drawing on a global environmental scan and direct engagement with nearly 100 older adults, the report finds that decision-making is deeply relational, values-driven, and shaped by trust, independence, and lived context. It concludes that effective support must be ongoing and embedded in trusted relationships—not a one-time intervention—and outlines next steps for integrating SDM into programs that are equitable, sustainable, and responsive to older adults’ evolving needs.