This feature was adapted from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living in honor of Older Americans Month.
Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight essential trends, and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older citizens.
This year's theme, Aging Unbound, offers an opportunity to explore a wide range of aging experiences and promote the importance of enjoying independence and fulfillment by paving our paths as we age.
This May, join us as we recognize the 60th anniversary of OAM and challenge the narrative on aging. Here are some ways we can all participate in Aging Unbound:
Embrace the opportunity to change.
Explore the rewards of growing older.
Stay engaged in your community.
Form relationships.
For more information, visit the official OAM website, follow ACL on Twitter and Facebook, and join the conversation using #OlderAmericansMonth.
Aging Around the World and At Home
According to AARP and the World Health Organization (WHO), older adults are a growing proportion of the world's population, mainly due to healthcare and public health gains. WHO lists these critical factors associated with global aging.
All countries face significant challenges to ensure that their health and social systems are ready to make the most of this demographic shift.
In 2050, 80% of older people will be living in low- and middle-income countries.
The pace of population aging is much faster than in the past.
In 2020, the number of people aged 60 and older outnumbered children younger than 5.
Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population over 60 years will nearly double from 12% to 22%.
The Public Reference Bureau's July 15, 2019, Factsheet describes U.S. demographic shifts in older adult populations as more racially and ethnically diverse, more educated, living longer, and "projected to nearly double from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060". Increases in Illinois' aging population were also noted by the Illinois Department of Aging's Director, Paula Basta, in the state's 2021 Older Americans Month Press Release. She stated, "Today in Illinois, people 85 years of age and older are the fastest growing segment of the older population, and by 2030, individuals 65 years of age and older will represent 25% of Illinois's population".
What do we know about aging in Northern Lake County? According to the HFNLC 2022 Community Needs Assessment, adults 65 and older make up only 11 percent of the service area, compared to 14 percent in Lake County and 15 percent in Illinois. Despite being a younger population overall, some qualitative findings suggest a need for more services for older adults. Of the 15 interviews and focus groups conducted, three highlighted that the county is an aging population, and the needs of this population may be overlooked. Among community survey respondents, 59 percent (100/169) selected older adults as one of the top three groups in the community that needs more services available. In comparison, 15 percent (26/169) selected children or teens as a group that needs more services. When asked what type of health professionals or services does your community need more? Among survey respondents, some wanted to see more services for older adults (17% or approximately 29 of 174). In addition, due to structural inequities, many residents, including people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, LGBTQI+ individuals, and older adults, face additional access barriers around language, insurance, cost, transportation, and provider availability.
What can we do to promote healthy aging? According to the Blue Zones, author, and researcher Dan Buettner, there are nine health habits gleaned from his study of centenarians from the U.S. and abroad. These include "moving naturally", "having purpose", "downshift", or stress management routines, "the 80% rule" to stop eating when the stomach is 80% full, consuming largely plant-based diets, drinking red wine in moderation, having a sense of spirituality, and belonging, "loved ones first" or strong familial connections, and social connectedness/social support/sense of community.
Thanks to our grantees and community partners who provide mental health and older adult services, and I wish all who celebrate AAPI and Jewish American Heritage Month abundant blessings. Whether you celebrate Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, or any other observance this month, enjoy!
Sincerely,
Venoncia M. Baté-Ambrus, PhD, MS, MA
Executive Director, Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County