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Saturday, February 04, 2012


 

Between 2005 and 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that the U.S. population of persons age 50 to 64 will increase by 21 percent and the population age 65 and older by 33 percent. By comparison, the population under age 50 will only increase by four percent.

 

The New York State population is changing faster that the U.S. population.   By 2020, this growing population of 55+ year olds will make up nearly one-third of residents in some counties.  

NYS Office on Aging, Demographic Projections to 2025

What are the median age projections of male and female residents in your county?

Note: These summaries were compiled for specific programs. If you are a funder and your county isn't listed, please contact the Grantmakers Forum for a summary.

 

There are two "older" population groups that communities engage and serve:  

  • “Active elders” (55-74), many still employed, active, involved in the community and want to remain so. What are communities doing to engage these residents to tap resources of experience, wisdom, time, and wealth?  
  • “Frail elders” (75+) aging in place, lacking the economic resources or the desire to move to warmer climates so creating naturally occurring retirement communities, who may require increased services and will place an increasing burden on the social infrastructure. In addition, there is growing number of frail elderly who return from the south and west to New York to live near family and services, as well as the foreign born elderly who immigrate here.

The "Active Elder" is not the aging person of past generations.  Educated, experienced and active, a high percentage of this group is seeking ways to make a local difference.  In the United States, the first of 77 million baby boomers turns 60 in 2006. Research indicates that millions of boomers want to be involved in work—paid or volunteer—that helps others. Communities have the opportunity to view aging residents as:

•  source of wisdom
•  peacemaker
•  volunteer
•  activist
•  employee
•  business owner
•  adults with income

 

Older adults can:

•  provide leadership,
•  contribute to the public good,
•  advance their own learning,
•  increase understanding and strengthen relationships across generations, and
•  inspire others of all ages to embrace service.

Communities want to be well prepared to use these resources to advantage.

 
What are the issues? 
What resources are available to funders to help them learn about the impact of aging residents on their grantmaking focus areas?

 
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