Link to article in the Star Tribune
AGING IN THE SUBURBS
There’s more to this story, especially in Hennepin County
The Feb. 13 story “Suburbs brace for boomers” was well done, but didn’t convey the full magnitude of the challenges.
The growth of populations of people 65 and older was given in percentages, which may understate the issue. For example, Scott County’s population of seniors has grown 9.9 percent, but the senior population is only 10,016. Hennepin County’s population of older adults is up 13.6 percent, but numerically 130,814 individuals are 65 and older.
The majority of these seniors live in the suburbs, but they may not be better off financially, which complicates providing services to help them remain independent. By far, the largest challenge is Hennepin County. Seventy-five percent (98,110) of Hennepin adults 65-plus (130,814) live outside of Minneapolis, and more than 1.5 times as many live in poverty as compared with those in Minneapolis. This population of seniors in poverty exceeds the combined figures for Ramsey and Dakota counties. So senior services must be no-cost or low-cost.
Every senior, and their caregivers, will have varying needs for support as they age.
Our communities must find ways to effectively partner with proven and trusted nonprofit senior services organizations that have the track record and expertise to address these human needs efficiently and effectively, with compassion.
Deb Taylor, Minnetonka
The writer is CEO of Senior Community Services.
