America's communities are not prepared for an aging population
The
Maturing of America – Getting Communities on Track for an Aging
Population,” a new report led by the National Association
of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) and funded by MetLife Foundation, finds
that only 46% of American communities have begun planning to address
the needs of the exploding population of aging Baby Boomers. The Baby
Boom generation - born between 1946 and 1964 - is rapidly approaching
retirement age. When this trend hits its peak in 2030, the number of
people over age 65 in the United States will soar to 71.5 million –
twice their number in the year 2000- or one in every five Americans.
“Beyond
traditional aging services such as senior centers,
meals-on-wheels programs, and home care, communities clearly need
to reassess their policies, programs and services in the areas of
transportation, housing, land use planning, public safety, parks
and recreation, workforce development and volunteerism/civic
engagement,” said Sandy Markwood, CEO, National Association
of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a). “To respond to the rapid
rise in their aging population, communities will need to provide
larger street signage, accessible housing, age appropriate
fitness programs, as well as lifelong learning and job
re-training opportunities. Although targeted to an aging
population, these services would improve the quality of life for
citizens of all ages.”
The
survey was conducted through a partnership with n4a and the International
City/County Management Association, the National Association of Counties,
the National League of Cities and Partners for Livable Communities.
Questionnaires were sent to local governments asking about their “aging
readiness.” The results show that although many communities have
some programs to address the needs of older adults, very few have undertaken
a comprehensive assessment of what it would take to make their community
“elder friendly.” New England and Pacific Coast regions
consistently show higher percentages of service availability and/or
provision than other areas of the country. The full report, available
at www.n4a.org, includes “best practices” from communities
all across the U.S.
“Though
there are many positive findings, this report is a wake-up call,”
added Markwood. “As the first of the Baby Boomers turn 60
this year, communities should begin planning to address this
major demographic trend. We hope this report encourages community
leaders to take proactive measures, spurred by the many cities
and counties whose examples are demonstrating the many ways to
make life better for older adults and those who care for them,
and by doing so, strengthening the entire communities in the
process.”
Key
findings of the report include the following:
Health
Care – In one third of communities surveyed, older
adults do not have access to a range of needed preventive health
care services such as health education, community-based health
screenings, and counseling on prescription drug programs.
Nutrition
– 80% of communities have programs providing
home-delivered meals for older adults, though only 25% provide
nutrition education for seniors.
Exercise
– More than one-third of communities do not have fitness
programs for older adults, though 86% report having
biking/walking trails.
Transportation
– Many communities are not addressing the mobility needs
of an aging population. For example, only 56% of communities
reported having “dial a ride” or door-through-door
transportation services and only 40% of communities reported
having road signage that meets the needs of older drivers.
Public
Safety/Emergency Services – More than 33% of
communities do not have a system to locate older adults in case
they become ill or wander due to Alzheimer’s or other
forms of dementia and 70% report that they do not have
prevention programs on elder abuse and neglect.
Housing
– Only half the communities reported having home
modification programs which adapt the existing homes of older
adults to address physical limitations, an important concern
since it’s known that the vast majority prefer to remain
in their own homes as they age.
Taxation
and Finance – Over a third of communities do not
provide tax relief for older adults living on limited incomes.
Workforce
Development – Over 40%of communities do not offer
formal job training and retraining programs to help older adults
remain in the workforce. However 45% of communities reported
that discounts were provided at local colleges and universities
to older adults interested in taking classes.
Civic
Engagement/Volunteer Opportunities – More than 60% of
U.S. communities provide civic engagement/volunteer
opportunities, including those for older adults. The vast
majority of the opportunities are offered through Senior Corp
programs such as the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP),
Senior Companions and Foster Grandparents.
Aging/Human
Services – Although it is expected that aging baby
boomers will demand it, many communities do not offer a
comprehensive single point of entry for information and access
to all aging services.
“The
Maturing of America” assessment began in November 2005
with the project’s first phase—a survey sent to
thousands of local governments. The data was then analyzed to
determine the “aging readiness” of America. The study
was designed to address three key preparedness questions: whether
efforts are being made to assess and put into place programs,
policies and services that address the needs of older adults and
their caregivers; whether cities and counties can ensure that
their communities are “livable” for all ages –
not only good places to grow up, but good places to grow old; and
how well equipped an area is to harness the talent, wisdom and
experience of older adults to contribute to their community. A
more in-depth survey was then sent to 500 communities whose
initial responses indicated a high degree of preparedness.
“The
aging of the population will have a dramatic impact on America’s
cities and counties," said Sibyl Jacobson, president of
MetLife Foundation. “This report has something for all of
us. It sheds light on how our towns and cities can prepare to
handle the aging boom. By taking action now, communities can
avoid problems and improve the quality of life for all citizens
as well as for older adults.”
About
the Participating Organizations
National
Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) – A leading
voice on aging issues for Area Agencies on Aging across the
country and a champion for Title VI-Native American aging
programs in our nation’s capital. Through its presence in
Washington, D.C., n4a advocates on behalf of the local aging
agencies to ensure that needed resources and support services are
available to older Americans and their caregivers. For more
information, go to www.n4a.org.
MetLife
Foundation - Established in 1976 by MetLife to carry on its
long-standing tradition of corporate contributions and community
involvement. The Foundation has been involved in a variety of
aging-related initiatives addressing issues of caregiving,
intergenerational activities, mental fitness, health and wellness
programs and civic involvement. Since 1986, the Foundation has
supported research on Alzheimer’s disease through its
Awards for Medical Research program and has contributed more than
$10 million to efforts to find a cure. More information about the
Foundation is available at www.metlife.org.
International
City/County Management Association (ICMA) – A
professional and educational organization for chief appointed
managers, administrators, and assistants in cities, towns,
counties, and regional entities throughout the world. For more
information, go to www.icma.org.
National
Association of Counties (NACo) – A national
organization that represents county governments in the United
States. For more information, go to www.naco.org.
National
League of Cities (NLC) – The largest national
organization representing municipal governments throughout the
United States. For more information, go to www.nlc.org.
Partners
for Livable Communities (PLC) – A national, nonprofit organization
working to restore and renew our communities. For more information,
go to www.livable.com.
By
K.S. Date
27-09-2006
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