In order to address the needs of older adults, it is necessary to understand the challenges that they face as they age. This chapter of the report begins with a discussion of the aging continuum. The purpose of this information is twofold. First, it shows the wide range of conditions older adults may experience as they age. Second, it provides a backdrop against which to consider the information that follows - the current conditions of older adults in six key areas. The areas discussed are food and nutrition, housing, home repair and home modification, physical and mental well-being, transportation, legal protections, victimization, and economic self-sufficiency.
Figure 9
Continuum of Aging
Adapted from the United Way of Allegheny County
The life stage of older adulthood is changing. Today, this stage spans as many as forty years. Individuals in this phase of life range in age from 60 to over 100. Older adults live along a continuum of ability, condition, and age. Where an individual is on the continuum depends on a variety of things. For example, diet, level of physical activity, level of community connection, and hereditary factors all play a role in how a person ages. The majority of older adults are well and active but there are those who are more frail and need assistance. Figure 9 shows the continuum of aging and the wide range of conditions an older adult can experience. However, not all older adults will experience each part of the continuum.
The level of need of an older adult depends upon where he/she is on the continuum. Well older adults will need few, if any, services and will likely be able to purchase what they need. Vulnerable older adults are at risk of needing a range of services and access to public resources. This is a critical intervention point to support independent living - intervention here could delay or even prevent the progression to the next stage. Lastly, frail older adults need a wide range of support services and are at greatest risk for institutionalization. The ability to live independently through older adulthood in great part depends upon whether or not an individual is able to meet his/her needs in the six areas discussed below. An individual is impacted differently by each of these issues depending upon where he/she is on the aging continuum and whether or not he/she is able to access the services he/she needs.
