Texas State Plan on Aging – 2011-2013

Overview

Texas’ 60+ population is projected to reach nearly 10 million by 2040, comprising more than 20 percent of the state’s total population. As Texas prepares for this upcoming age shift, it can anticipate an increased demand for health and human services, safe and accessible housing and transportation options, employment opportunities, and volunteer and community engagement activities. The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) produced this four-year state aging plan to meet the requirements of the Older Americans Act, to determine the future needs of its older adult population, and to provide strategies for how the state intends to accommodate these changing needs.

Key Points

The Texas State Plan on Aging emphasizes the social and economic impact Boomers will have on the state as they continue to grow older and their needs continue to change. The plan focuses on the critical budgetary challenges Texas is facing due to the economic down-turn and the need to increase levels of service and support for older adults throughout the state. Additionally, the plan addresses the significant implications for long-term care services and supports associated with the unique needs of Texas’ 85+ population, as well as older adults living in rural areas.

Other plan highlights include:

1. Texercise is a statewide health promotion program that aims to improve the overall health and well-being of older Texans and address the issue of rising healthcare costs related to poor health by educating older adults on the benefits of physical activity and proper nutrition.
   
2. The Texas Healthy Lifestyles (THL) program was established to raise awareness among seniors about evidence-based disease prevention and to reduce the burden of chronic illness on seniors by incorporating a comprehensive approach to chronic disease management.
   
3. Beyond just reaching older adults, Texas has the additional challenge of reaching diverse senior populations. While Texas has the fourth largest older adult population in the country, it has the second largest Hispanic population, and over 33 percent of the Texas population speaks a language other then English in the home.
   
4. The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) currently operates nine Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) to provide support and counseling services for older adults and their family members. Texas expects to have 20 operating ADRCs in place by the year 2020.
   

How to Use

Planners and local officials can use the Texas State Plan on Aging to gain an understanding of the unique challenges facing Texas in preparing for the upcoming age shift due to its massive size and population diversity. The plan on aging can be used by planners and local officials in all areas to understand the progress Texas has made in accommodating the changing needs of its growing older adult population, as well as the specific programs the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services intends to implement to meet the future demand for aging services.

View full report: Texas State Plan on Aging – 2011-2013 (PDF – 657 KB)