AARP South Dakota Members Age 75+ Survey: Needs and Service Use

With 14 percent of South Dakota's population in 2000 age 65 or older (of whom 51 percent were at least 75), little is currently known about the needs of - and services used by - the state's older population. The AARP South Dakota State Office and the South Dakota Office of Adult Services and Aging have jointly undertaken a series of information-gathering efforts - of which this mail survey of 1,589 age 75+ AARP members is one strategy.

Specifically, this survey sought to increase knowledge and understanding about:

• The relationship between health and disability status
• The rate of health care insurance coverage among older AARP South Dakota members
• How frequently respondents engage in healthy behaviors such as regularly eating three meals a day and fitness activities such as walking
• The usage of paid services in managing health and household chores
• The degree of financial stress experienced in paying for prescription drugs
• The usage of nutrition and transportation services among those age 75 and older
• The number of eligible low-income members using the South Dakota Sales Tax on Food Refund Program
• The degree of isolation among those age 85 and older

The 2005 survey was conducted from April 19 through May 17. Further information about the survey may be obtained by contacting Dr. Silberman at 202-434-6339. (27 pages)