Aging Population, Fraying Benefits: Perspectives from the Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative (K.E.R.I.)

1. Aging Population, Fraying Benefits: Perspectives from the Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative (K.E.R.I.) 13th Annual Conference of the Kentucky Long-Term Policy Research Center Lexington Civic Center November 14, 2006 Graham D. Rowles Graduate Center for Gerontology College of Public Health University of Kentucky

2. AGING OF THE POPULATION National Trends • United States Population 65+ • 3 million ( 4%) Life Expectancy 44 • 2000 35 million (12%) Life Expectancy 77 • 2030 71 million (20%) Life Expectancy ?? Cave Run Lake, KY

3. AGING OF THE BABY BOOM POPULATION National Trends Baby Boomers: persons born between 1946 and 1964 2000 41,223,192 males 2000 42,260,888 females 2000 83,484,280 2000 Baby Boomers comprised 29.66% of the population

4. AGING OF THE BABY BOOM POPULATION Baby Boomers in Kentucky Baby Boomers: persons born between 1946 and 1964 2000 591,451 males 2000 608,146 females 2000 1,199,597 total 2000 Baby Boomers comprised 29.68% of the population

5. Growing Old in Kentucky

6. NEW AGE OLD AGE • New definitions of aging (pre-old, young-old, old-old, oldest-old) 2. Pathways to aging becoming more diverse • Each generation healthier than the one • that preceded it (falling disability rates)

7. NEW AGE OLD AGE 4.Each generation more educated than the one that preceded it 5. Changing relationship of elders to remainder of society (generational and geographical separation) 6. New activities in old age (starting businesses, second careers, volunteering, living out passions)

8. New Activities in Old Age Chef Gil Executive Inn Owensboro, KY

9. New Activities in Old Age The Posse, Sun City, Arizona

10. Challenges and Opportunities • Addressing labor force deficits • Developing and paying for appropriate models of long-term care • Creating and maintaining environments conducive to an aging population • Redefining the experience of aging • Reconciling and transitioning from traditional old age to new age old age

11. Current Life Circumstances:Kentucky Elder Health 1st in frequency of mental distress 1st in poor oral health (complete tooth loss) 1st in disability levels 1st in smoking—highest rates 5th in rates of hypertension 6th in terms of lack of leisure time activity (38.8% do not participate) 14th with respect to rates of obesity 1995 28.8% at health risk from being overweight or obese 2005 61.5% at health risk from being overweight or obese Sources: CDC Merck Study (2004); National Governors Association (2004)

12. KENTUCKY ELDER READINESS INITIATIVE (KERI) Collaboration among: • Division of Aging Services, Cabinet of Heath and Family Services • 15 Area Agencies on Aging • Graduate Center for Gerontology, University of Kentucky Georgetown, KY

13. GOAL To foster statewide awareness, dialogue and insight into the challenges and opportunities provided by the aging of the “Baby Boom” population (persons born between 1946 and 1964) and stimulate local and statewide initiatives to appropriately address the pending changes that will result from this process. Goddard “White” Bridge Fleming County, KY

14. KERI Philosophy • Positive orientation (elders viewed not as dependent but as a resource) • Involvement of all age groups and all constituencies • Regional sensitivity • Participation of elders • Involvement of media and communities • Part of a continuous planning process (not a report to go on a shelf) Downtown Murray, KY

15. KERI Objectives • Identification of regional strengths and weaknesses • Development of local grass-roots initiatives • Empowerment of regions and communities to create sustainable initiatives Fence row in Western KY

16. KERI Phase I • Information Gathering • Secondary Data Sources • Fact Sheets • Focus Groups and Community Forums held in each of the 15 Area Agencies on Aging Bridge over Ohio River Maysville, KY

17. KERI on the road… Miles we traveled this summer

18. Participants • Focus Groups • 144 Community Leaders • 144 Providers • Community Forums • 619 citizens

19. Description of Participants • 48.2% were Baby Boomers • 93.7% were Non-Hispanic White • 69.5% were female • 64.4% had at least a Bachelor’s Degree • 61.4% had a household income of $50,000 or more Mobile Health Clinic Owenton, KY

20. Location of a community forum or focus group Counties Represented in Phase I

21. Questions for Discussion • How do you think your community will be affected by the aging of the Baby Boomers? • What actions is your community already undertaking to anticipate the pending changes? • In what specific directions can you move in the future to address these issues? Community Forums at BTADD and KIPDA

22. Preliminary Findings Identified Concerns • Employment • Transportation • Housing • Environmental design • $$$ Identified Strengths • People • Churches or faith-based organizations • Collaboration of services within and among ADDs Field of Sunflowers, Bedford, KY

23. Preliminary Findings Lack of Awareness “We’re in a state of denial.” “You’re not talking about me.” “I’m not going to need that.” “That’s a long ways away.” “I’m OK, I’m well prepared.” “I’m too busy to think about that.” “The government will take care of me.” Road Sign, New Castle, KY

24. Next Steps for KERI Phases II, III, & IV • Statewide Survey (Regional/State Reports) • Statewide Resource Network Development • Grass-roots Initiatives • Exchange of ideas • Funding sources Local Provider, Bedford, KY

25. Directions for the Future? • Adult Daycare at work • Educational Opportunities • Redefining Senior/Activity Centers • New Business Ventures • Single Point of Entry Care • Tax Breaks for Caregivers • Elder Mentors for Youth • Advocating for Aging • Rediscovery of Community Scott County, KY

26. For more information… For more information about KERI please contact: Graham D. Rowles, PhD (859) 257-1450 X 80145 growl2@uky.edu Or visit the KERI website at: http://www.mc.uky.edu/gerontology/keri.htm Billboard near Maysville, KY