WHY FOCUS ON OLDER ADULTS?
Advancements in health care and the aging of the Baby Boom generation (individuals born after World War II) are impacting the makeup of the population. Our community is growing older. By the year 2020, it is estimated that almost one in five Travis County residents will be age 60 or older (Texas Health and Human Services Commission). The fastest growing segment of the older adult population is individuals age 75 or older. The ethnic and racial composition of this population is also shifting. Today, a majority of older adults in our community are white. In the years ahead, a majority of this group will be racial/ethnic minorities. Lastly, the vast majority of older adults want to live as independently as possible and live out their lives in their own homes.
These factors present two challenges for the community. The first challenge is to honor the wishes of older adults to remain independent for as long as possible. The second challenge is to ensure that the infrastructure and resources are in place to meet the needs of the population.
Although a wide range of resources exists in the community for older adults, there are three problems with the current infrastructure. One problem is that many older adults are not accessing available resources. Another problem is that the resources available in certain areas are not able to accommodate the growing demand for services. Finally, the majority of the resources are used to provide institutional care, not community based care.
The opportunity exists to improve how this community provides for older adults. With the growth in the older adult population it is more important than ever to help people age well by preventing and delaying disability. Implementing strategies that support prevention can save precious resources. Nursing home care costs six times as much as caring for someone in the community. Helping individuals stay independent also allows them the opportunity to remain active. Older adults make important contributions to this community as employees, employers, volunteers, activists and advocates. They are a rich resource that can be tapped to further strengthen our community.
The information in this report is intended to stimulate interest in the issue of older adults and spur action around this issue. By focusing on older adults, this report can help the community prepare for the challenges that lie ahead.
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