Health Insurance Crisis is Hitting 50-64 Age Group HardThe Road Ahead: Aging in Place in Delaware
AARP believes that every American deserves the opportunity to age with dignity and independence in a comfortable environment of their choice. This concept, often referred to as aging-in-place, is one of the many cornerstones of the American dream. Most would agree that the idea of remaining in one’s own home and community as they age is desirable and preferable to being placed in institutionalized care. AARP is working to ensure that people have a variety of options available to meet their needs at every life stage.
Delaware’s
aging population is growing at a striking rate. The U.S. Census Bureau
estimates that the Delaware over 50 population will grow by 130,000
people by 2030. Delaware will benefit from the wisdom, volunteerism,
and civic engagement of an older generation. However, Delaware must
also react to the needs and preferences of individuals who desire to
remain independent and productive as they age. The time for all of us
to begin thinking about this is now. We must ensure a successful
environment to accommodate our future needs.
In
support of making Delaware more livable for the aging population, AARP
in Delaware launched TheRoad Ahead: Aging in Place in Delaware,
a survey of Delawareans on their views pertaining to housing,
transportation and long-term care within our communities. The study is
invaluable in helping to make a case for better services to allow us
all to age in place.
The Views of Delaware’s Fastest-Changing Market Segment
The
results of
The Road Ahead
were compelling and consistent with similar research nationwide.
The survey shows that nearly 90% of the over-50 population wants to
stay in their homes and communities as they age and as they need
long-term care. Their homes and communities are where they have their
social networks and a sense of familiarity. Respondents expressed the
importance of having home-based care delivered by family, friends and
personal care aides. Only three percent responded that they would
prefer to receive care in a nursing home, and half of those surveyed
are not confident that they would be able to pay for necessary
long-term care services in their own homes.
AARP
believes that one should age into their home, not out of it. More than
half of the survey respondents believe that a lack of affordable
housing is a problem. Almost one in five respondents reported needing
to make major repairs, modifications or changes to their homes to stay
in them as they age, yet many did not know what to ask for or how to
ask for specific home repairs and modifications for an age-friendly
home. About 26 percent of baby boomer generation households
expect to move from their current home as they age; with more than
half claiming they want single-level homes that are more comfortable
or convenient.
Transportation
options allow the aging population to stay engaged in social networks
that allow for optimal independence and a high quality of life.
When
asked about transportation, a majority reported that they drive a car
as a primary way to access the services they need (shopping, doctors)
but would prefer to take public transportation if it were more
convenient and available. The survey revealed that limited
transportation options are among the top community concerns for older Delawareans.
How Can Business Play A Role?
As the
baby boomer population ages in Delaware and around the nation,
policies and services will need to reflect the desire for older adults
to have more long-term care options. This aging demographic is also
expected to live longer. A 2007 report published by the Delaware State
Treasurer’s office found that between 1983 and 2003, the average
lifespan in our state increased from 74 to 76 years. With this group
living longer, health care spending for them will increase
significantly by 2030 – perhaps by as much as 65 percent.
AARP has
already taken strides to create an environment where each of us can
age independently and with freedom to choose. Locally, AARP and other
collaborators championed the formation of Delaware’s Long-Term
Care Task Force. On the federal level, AARP submitted testimony to the
Senate Special Committee on Aging to express support for Health Care
Reform, including issues surrounding aging-in- place.
The Road Ahead offers some key recommendations for business,
government and the community to accommodate and prepare for our
rapidly changing aging population:
- Better access to long-term care insurance.
- More options for smaller, affordable single family and group housing.
- Age-friendly construction of homes outfitted with grab-bars, wide hallways, etc.
- Infrastructure to reflect changing transportation needs for greater public transportation and better roadways.
- Readily-available and accurate information about the services available to Delawareans to help them identify long-term care options.
Current
government programs are not accessible to everyone, and may not
be available indefinitely. For many, aging-in-place is more
appealing than going to a nursing home or assisted living setting, and
much less costly. Devoting additional resources to home and
community-based services will ensure that residents can stay in their
homes as they age and will make long-term care more affordable for
Delawareans. These issues will affect each and every one of us, and
they must be addressed. The quality of life in our communities will
depend on it.
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Added: Sep 14, 2009
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