Idaho Commission on Aging State Plan – 2008-2012

Overview

In the state of Idaho, there is an influx of retirees that buy into the state with money obtained from selling homes in higher real estate markets elsewhere. This migration to Idaho has increased the state’s percentage of older adults, while also changing the culture and increasing living costs in metropolitan areas. In preparation for this aging demographic, the Idaho Commission on Aging created and submitted its state age plan per the requirements of the Older Americans Act.

Key Points

This plan focuses on the overall needs of aging Idaho residents, as well as establishing priorities that will serve as a guide for community partners in order to help Idahoans retain their independence and maintain active, meaningful lives as they age.

Other plan highlights include:

1. In 2004, it was reported that 16 percent of the U.S. population provided care to someone 50+ years of age. In Idaho, about two-thirds of the population relies solely on family members and other informal help to provide necessary care and assistance.
2. Idaho’s rural geography provides challenges to providing community-based, long-term care services, such as long waiting lists for some services, a shortage of health professionals in most counties in Idaho, lack of public transportation outside metropolitan areas, and continuously lower working wages than the national average.
3. The increase in retirees migrating to Idaho from other states has made it challenging to anticipate the needs of and plan the necessary services for the growing older population.
   

How to Use

The Idaho Aging State Plan serves as a tool for local government officials and planners in the Idaho area, as well for legislators, students, and people in other state agencies with similar interests in and needs for providing support for older adults. There is a great deal of information provided on services, grants, and collaborative partners utilized in Idaho that can give necessary guidance in these areas.

View full report: Idaho Commission on Aging State Plan – 2008-12 (PDF – 1 MB)