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Arkansas State Plan on Aging – 2011-2014

Overview

In the state of Arkansas, the 60+ population will rise by 75 percent between 2008 and 2030. In preparation for this aging demographic, the Arkansas Department of Human Services Division of Aging and Adult Services created and submitted its state age plan per the requirements of the Older Americans.

Key Points

Arkansas has a large number of poor people living in rural areas. The plan addresses the unique challenges facing Arkansas as a result and highlights some of the inroads made already by recently implemented services.

Other plan highlights include:

  1. The issue of poverty with regard to the aging Arkansas demographic is stark, as 27.4 percent of the current (2008) population is living in poverty.
  2. The 85+ age bracket in Arkansas is aging more rapidly than other older age categories, and a significant portion of them reside in rural areas.
  3. A large number of older Arkansas residents also function as primary caregivers for their grandchildren.

Arkansas has excellent statistical information, and a particular highlight is the grouping of counties and regions. Consider analyzing data by regional and county demographics to hone in on region-specific needs as a method of the best utilization of resources.

How to Use

Multi-generational families are on the rise nation-wide. Local governments and regions will continue to wrestle with the implications of children being raised by an older demographic. In the case of Arkansas, poverty and rural living compound this issue. Planners and local governments can use this plan to consider ways Arkansas is addressing said issues and then how to adjust those programs for their own areas.

View full report: Arkansas State Plan on Aging – 2011-2014 (PDF – 661 KB)


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