The impact of aging is being felt by more and more communities across Kentucky, as it is across the nation. Yet despite the warning signs of our changing demographics it remains a topic many of us seem to not want to talk about or apparently even consider. Is it any wonder then that, we are ill-prepared for what is now taking place?
The latest U.S. census shows; over 40% of Kentucky’s population is over the age of 45. The implications cannot be ignored. Consider its impact on families and business. In 2012, the National Caregiver Alliance reported that almost 29% (65.7 million) of the U.S. adult population provided care to someone who was ill, disabled or aged. Of those providing care, one out of six were working either full time or part time and the average age of a caregiver was 49.2 years of age.
Caregivers are more likely to be taking care of an aging parent or grandparent than they are taking care of a child, but often, they are faced with doing both. Many cite their own health as diminished by the process. Of those caregivers who are employed, many say, “they feel overwhelmed by demands at home and demands on the job.” They also report, “using their time at work to hunt for resources or services they simply don’t have the time to find when at home.”
The issues employees face often impact their job in other ways as well. Arriving late, leaving early, or being absent all together cost them and their employers billions of dollars in lost productivity and wages. Add in the fact that one out of every three employees in the workforce today is 55 or older and one might easily see how business and industry are being impacted by shifting demographics.
The problem is not confined to individuals, families or business alone. The impact can be felt in literally every corner of every community where people reside. Whether directly or indirectly, the issues have affected volunteerism; civic and social engagement; religious attendance; social and essential services; infrastructure; local economies; individual and family savings and so much more.
Yet, according to a Kentucky Aging Readiness (KARI) survey conducted by the University of Kentucky, Kentuckians continue to remain in denial about aging despite all signs to the contrary. Responses to the subject of readiness in this two-year study (2005-2007)ranged from “You’re not talking about me;” “That’s a long ways away;” “I’m too busy to think about that;” “I’m not going to need that;”and “The government will take care of me;” all support the survey’s primary finding of an overall “lack of awareness.”
Given the prevailing attitude, is there any wonder why, in a June 2014 AARP article on aging, Kentucky ranked last among all 50 states in providing services to the elderly?
The case can be made that it’s not a subject most people feel comfortable in discussing. After all, speaking about our own or another’s mortality is not something that normally comes easy. Avoiding the subject however keeps us on the path of reacting to change rather than being prepared for it.
The Older American Act stipulates that all seniors are entitled to economic security in their retirement, free and fair access to health care, rehabilitative and long-term care, housing and social services, opportunities for civic and social engagement and freedom from exploitation and abuse. Despite this stipulation, there is no comprehensive national plan to head off potential consequences of today’s rapidly aging population.
The same may be said for many state plans on aging as well. Consider the State of Maine, a mostly rural state where many seniors are plagued by poverty and isolation; lack access to adequate and affordable services; and where the median age, 43.5 years, is the highest in the United States.
According to a July 2013 Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram special report examining the impacts of aging in Maine they cite how “most state plans on aging call for action in some areas, such as expanding long-term care options, increasing support for family caregivers and stepping up efforts to prevent elder abuse. But most don’t require action and makes it clear that any improvements in senior programs must be made without additional funding.” The report further cites “pockets of action on senior issues here and there in Maine, but what’s happening isn’t coordinated or consistent.”
Senior advocates in the state cite “the need to be more effective in getting information out and delivering services. But “without more money and a coordinated statewide effort”, they say “significant change is unlikely.”
The most telling comment however, on what may need to be done was voiced by Jessica Maurer, executive director of the Maine Association of Area Agencies on Aging when she said, “We have to blow the doors off the conversation (of aging) and find ways to create vibrant, livable communities for all ages,” “If we don’t, it has the potential to ruin people’s lives.” Unfortunately, that same sentiment can also be applied to more and more people a little closer to home.
What many fail to realize however, is that older adults can be a vital asset to communities and community development, contributing their experience, leadership, and, often, economic participation to communities that can use their help the most. Unfortunately, most live in places that are not well prepared for an aging population, and most communities have a long way to go before they can be called “age-friendly” – that is, great places to grow up and grow old.
Yet communities that do take steps to become more age-friendly are likely to see benefits; in fact, many thought leaders now believe that these are the communities that will fare best in the 21st century. As Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of The World Health Organization (WHO), has said, “the societies that adapt to this changing demographic can reap a sizable ‘longevity dividend,’ and will have a competitive advantage over those that do not.”
The greatest challenges to becoming “age-friendly” include mustering cooperation from many different quarters (including politicians, planners, and community leaders, as well as providers of housing, transportation, health, and aging services), and finding sustainable funding for long-term stability.
Funders can make valuable contributions by helping projects find allies and partners and broaden their base to include political, community, and corporate supporters as well as philanthropic ones. Philanthropies are also uniquely positioned to serve as conveners, in bringing together disparate members of the community and helping them find common ground.
The sooner we begin the conversation the sooner we can reap the benefits.
Jeff Rubin is an advocate and adviser on community and aging issues having spent over 20 years as a director and facilitator of community service programs at the local, state and national levels. An advocate for “Age-friendly” and “Livable” communities, Mr. Rubin is currently leading an initiative to make the city of Berea, Kentucky, one of only three cities in the Southeast to achieve World Health Organization designation as an “Age-Friendly” community. Mr. Rubin invites your questions, comments and interest and can be reached by e-mail at Jeffrubin@windstream.net.
You’re also invited to respond to his “Five Questions” below.
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