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Is Washington State A Friendly Place to Age?

Is Washington State A Friendly Place to Age?. Shelly Zylstra Northwest Regional Council zylstra@dshs.wa.gov. An Age Wave is Coming. In 2030 there will be 71.5 million people over the age of 65. Twice the current number. The fastest growing segment is individuals over the age of 85. .

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Is Washington State A Friendly Place to Age?

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  1. Is Washington State A Friendly Place to Age? Shelly Zylstra Northwest Regional Council zylstra@dshs.wa.gov

  2. An Age Wave is Coming • In 2030 there will be 71.5 million people over the age of 65. Twice the current number. • The fastest growing segment is individuals over the age of 85.

  3. The Wave will Pose Challenges • Recreation • Health Care • Housing • Transportation • Public Safety • Employment • Education Looking ahead and making changes now will allow communities to take advantage of the largest population of skilled and educated older adults in history.

  4. The Maturing Of America • Survey provided to municipalities and county governments • Surprisingly, 46% of those surveyed have considered the effect of this demographic change on their infrastructure and services • Healthy older adulthood is dependent on a mix of services, behaviors, and opportunities. • Communities that embrace support for older adults will be more livable and better for everyone.

  5. Recommendations for Best Practice • For each of us, health and well-being are affected by a variety of internal and environmental factors. • Those factors which affect older adults are not easy to generalize. • Communities can benefit greatly by preparing to support a healthy older adulthood.

  6. Health • Communities should ensure access to preventive health care services for older adults • Health Education • Community-based health screenings • Hearing • Vision/Glaucoma • Counseling on prescription drugs • Electronic medical record

  7. Nutrition • In our state, 6% of the people who visit food banks are older adults • About 4 million elders nationwide are food insecure • No access, no ability to prepare, • Difficult choices between rent and food • Farm to Table programs and Senior Meals are both helpful for support of older adults nutritional health

  8. Exercise • The benefits of exercise extend over a lifetime and benefit both physical and cognitive health • Make certain all public recreation facilities are on bus lines • Trails which are paved, well-lit and have benches for resting • Tai Chi, yoga, dance, and strength training programs

  9. Transportation • Core values of autonomy and independence are supported by a good public transportation system • Door-to-door systems • Town-to-town systems • Flexible routes • Shared ride taxi program • By 2030, 25% of drivers will be over the age of 65 • Left turn lanes and signals • “Turtles” in lanes • Well-marked cross walks • Lengthened time for traffic signals and audible crosswalk signals. • Announced Bus Stops!

  10. Civic Engagement • Not all older adults want to “retire” • Many have marketable skills and are looking for part-time work or for volunteer opportunities • Consider an “easy access” volunteer center; clearinghouse for opportunities for businesses and individuals • Government needs to look differently at the abilities and activities appropriate for volunteers

  11. Human Services • Local agencies will need to understand the specialized needs of older adults • Larger fonts; no yellow! • Single point of entrance • Development of a continuum of services to keep older people aging in place

  12. Public SafetyEmergency Services • One half million older adults are abused, exploited, or neglected in their domestic settings • Elder abuse awareness campaigns and statutes are essential • Emergency Management will need to focus on the needs of frail community members in increasing numbers • Technology is available to track individuals with dementia through GPS systems • Neighborhood Watch

  13. Housing • Develop home modification assistance programs • Look at universal design for new developments and building • Consider access to and for transit and paratransit services • Snow removal services • Smaller garbage receptacles • Maintenance assistance program

  14. Employment • Older adults may chose to remain working but may need flexible schedules and hours • Companies wishing to take advantage of the skills of older workers may need to review their policies now for “elder friendliness”

  15. Policies and Guidelines • Policies • Land Use • Zoning to allow Granny Flats • Building Codes • Density to allow for smaller residences • Definition of “Elderly Affordable” for the community • Develop WITH older adults to accommodate the needs of older adults later.

  16. We Need to Take a Fresh Look • At policies • At programs • At planning …to establish community goals to support healthy older adulthood. As with children, it takes a village.

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