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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