Illinois State Plan on Aging – 2010-2012

Overview

Within the 65 and older age bracket, Illinois will experience a 109 percent increase in its age 85+ population between 2000 and 2030. Knowing the age category breakdown and growth patterns within the 65 and older demographic can help localities determine urgency, communication, and service issues. In preparation for this aging demographic, the Illinois Department on Aging created and submitted its state age plan per the requirements of the Older Americans Act.

Key Points

Illinois has two significant trends: a short-term trend in the exponential rise of the 85+ age category, and a long-term trend in the ethnic and linguistic diversity of an aging population base. Each trend requires a different response.

Other plan highlights include:

• Due to the boom in the 85+ age bracket, Illinois is exploring further options for expanding in-home assistance options.
  
• The plan also indicates a desire to expand into chronic disease self-management, health promotion and disease prevention.
  
• Between 1990 and 2000, the number of minorities living in Illinois increased by 32 percent. That figure has continued to rise, exposing a new challenge for a linguistically and culturally diverse older demographic.
  

How to Use

Illinois has multiple health organizations and services within its state; therefore, it must dedicate a great deal of attention to coordination and tracking. Local governments with similar circumstances (i.e. many ongoing programs) should consider which services are redundant and which address specific trends within their state. For Illinois, chronic disease self-management, health promotion and disease prevention are linked to marketing and communicating with its culturally diverse older demographic. Considering which services to coordinate now may help expedite planning efforts later.

View full report: Illinois State Plan on Aging – 2010-2012 (PDF – 1 MB)