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KERI Comes to GRADD
By: Graham D. Rowles, Ph.D.
Principal Investigator, Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative
University of Kentucky Graduate Center for Gerontology
At GRADD’s Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative (KERI) forum in August, I joined Cabinet for Health and Family Services secretary Mark Birdwhistell in discussing results of a statewide survey to assess the impact of the retirement and aging of the Baby Boomer generation (persons born between 1946 and 1964). This forum was part of the KERI project, initiated by Governor Fletcher in 2005 as a collaboration among the commonwealth’s Department for Aging and Independent Living, the 15 statewide Area Agencies on Aging, and the Graduate Center for Gerontology at the University of Kentucky.
KERI’s goal is to foster awareness, to promote dialogue on future challenges and opportunities, and to stimulate local and statewide initiatives necessitated by the aging of the Baby Boom population. Some specific issues discussed at recent KERI meetings include increasing local awareness of what has been called a pending “demographic tsunami,” retirement preparedness, employment, transportation, housing, health and safety, continuing education, the changing role of senior citizen centers, and community involvement by Baby Boomers.
These issues are certainly significant within the Green River region, where the number of persons age 60 and older is projected increase more than 70 percent (from 37,377 to 63,646) between 2000 and 2030. Aging of the Baby Boomers, which will account for most of this increase, reflects a significant change in our society. This trend is likely to place additional strains on the resources of every community. At the same time, however, it provides the potential to harness the talents of a new generation of elders, much healthier and more active than its predecessors.
There are two directions we can take. One is to simply ignore the major demographic shift that is occurring. The other path—which I am delighted to see is being taken in the GRADD area—is to embrace this change and to proactively plan to develop our communities into better places in which to grow old. In choosing this path, we enrich the lives of everyone in our society. I invite you to become involved with the Green River KERI Task Force or one of its county subgroups, by contacting GRADD Area Agency on Aging Director Vivian Craig at (270) 926-4433.
Principal Investigator, Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative
University of Kentucky Graduate Center for Gerontology
At GRADD’s Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative (KERI) forum in August, I joined Cabinet for Health and Family Services secretary Mark Birdwhistell in discussing results of a statewide survey to assess the impact of the retirement and aging of the Baby Boomer generation (persons born between 1946 and 1964). This forum was part of the KERI project, initiated by Governor Fletcher in 2005 as a collaboration among the commonwealth’s Department for Aging and Independent Living, the 15 statewide Area Agencies on Aging, and the Graduate Center for Gerontology at the University of Kentucky.
KERI’s goal is to foster awareness, to promote dialogue on future challenges and opportunities, and to stimulate local and statewide initiatives necessitated by the aging of the Baby Boom population. Some specific issues discussed at recent KERI meetings include increasing local awareness of what has been called a pending “demographic tsunami,” retirement preparedness, employment, transportation, housing, health and safety, continuing education, the changing role of senior citizen centers, and community involvement by Baby Boomers.
These issues are certainly significant within the Green River region, where the number of persons age 60 and older is projected increase more than 70 percent (from 37,377 to 63,646) between 2000 and 2030. Aging of the Baby Boomers, which will account for most of this increase, reflects a significant change in our society. This trend is likely to place additional strains on the resources of every community. At the same time, however, it provides the potential to harness the talents of a new generation of elders, much healthier and more active than its predecessors.
There are two directions we can take. One is to simply ignore the major demographic shift that is occurring. The other path—which I am delighted to see is being taken in the GRADD area—is to embrace this change and to proactively plan to develop our communities into better places in which to grow old. In choosing this path, we enrich the lives of everyone in our society. I invite you to become involved with the Green River KERI Task Force or one of its county subgroups, by contacting GRADD Area Agency on Aging Director Vivian Craig at (270) 926-4433.
GRADD Baby Boomer Statistics
In 2000, there were 61,037 Baby Boomers in Daviess,
Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union, and Webster
counties (comprising 29.6% of the total population).
· 78.8% worry at least somewhat about being prepared for
retirement.
· 40.4% plan to work after retirement.
· 33.6% are not aware of community services for senior
citizens.
· 70.3% expect to live in their current residence at age 75.
· 21.1% consider their community’s physical environment
(sidewalks, steps, lighting, etc.) to be very inaccessible.
· 77.1% anticipate increased involvement in community
activities as they age.
· 52.3% plan to spend more time volunteering as they age.
· 57.4% plan to engage in lifelong learning opportunities as
they age.
· 53.3% rank churches and other spiritual/religious groups
as the most important community resource affecting
quality of life.
*To view the entire Green River KERI Preliminary Report, visit www.mc.uky.edu/gerontology/keri.htm.
Hancock, Henderson, McLean, Ohio, Union, and Webster
counties (comprising 29.6% of the total population).
· 78.8% worry at least somewhat about being prepared for
retirement.
· 40.4% plan to work after retirement.
· 33.6% are not aware of community services for senior
citizens.
· 70.3% expect to live in their current residence at age 75.
· 21.1% consider their community’s physical environment
(sidewalks, steps, lighting, etc.) to be very inaccessible.
· 77.1% anticipate increased involvement in community
activities as they age.
· 52.3% plan to spend more time volunteering as they age.
· 57.4% plan to engage in lifelong learning opportunities as
they age.
· 53.3% rank churches and other spiritual/religious groups
as the most important community resource affecting
quality of life.
*To view the entire Green River KERI Preliminary Report, visit www.mc.uky.edu/gerontology/keri.htm.
8 comments:
Did you know that every 7.5 seconds someone turns 60!!??
Baby Boomers include born between 1946 and 1964.... This blog is for the boomers to express their concerns and challenges and successes!
I am a Baby Boomer, though at the backend of the wave. I was born in 1960.
The US has prospered due to the skills and ingenuity of this generation and now needs to prepare for the aging of the largest generation in the history of America. Every aspect of community living and economics will be touched by this demographic switch.
I am excited to be working with GRADD on the KERI project. Our Executive Director Jiten Shah, has been instrumental in getting the word out to the seven county region and is encouraging the GRADD staff to work with the counties on their own individual plans.
I was born and raised in Hancock County so I find it very rewarding to work with its citizens to develop a plan to position our county to meet the upcoming Boomer needs.
Each county will discover their own unique challenges and strengths as well as opportunities to partner with neighboring counties to move forward with this initiative.
The next regional KERI meeting will be held at the GRADD office in Owensboro, April 8, at 1:00 p.m. For more information contact moniesosh@gradd.com.
Did anyone see the Barbara Walters special on April 1, 2008? It is predicting within the next few years researchers will find a way to enable people to live to 150 years of age. One researcher in England predicts eventually several hundred years of life.It all has to do with research on proteins in the body. How do you feel about this possibility?
I was asked to post a blog even though I am not a "baby boomer" as I was born in 1929. I am a very active senior, having had no catastrophic illness, just minor things. I retired early to be a caregiver for my husband and my mother and after their deaths and my 15 years retirement, I went back to work at the GRADD Office. I am active in my church as an assistant Sunday School teacher; I am in a Line Dance club; I volunteer at the Theater Workshop and The River Park; and I am in the Zumba classes at the YMCA. Also, my hobbies are sewing--I do alterations; photography, and music-playing the piano has been great therapy for me, especially during my years as a caregiver.
After seeing the Barbara Walters special on TV about living to be 150, I do believe it could be possible. The most important thing is to stay busy keeping your mind active and thinking positive. I am never bored; in fact, I don't have enough time to do all the things I would like to do.
The best thing about working at the GRADD Office is that no one here has made me feel "out of place" by being older than most everyone here. And...yes, I have a son who is a "Baby Boomer" who hits the big "50" this April!!
Congratulations GRADD on creating the Baby Boomer Blog! What a wonderful tool for the baby boomers in the Green River Region. The Green River ADD is definetly leading the state in addressing the local concerns, challenges and opportunities as identified in the KERI project. The Department for Aging and Independent Living (DAIL)looks forward to our continued partnership with GRADD as we strive to serve the boomers of today and prepare for the boomers of tomorrow.
Deborah Anderson
Commissioner
Kentucky Department for Aging and Independent Living
Age is an asset.
Experience,a benefit.
Did you know?
Age 59: Michelangelo begins final Sistine Chapel painting
Age 62: Issac Newton becomes first knighted scientist
Age 76: Nelson Mandela is elected president of South Africa
Age 77: John Glenn mans second flight to the moon
Age 78: Grandma Moses sells first painting
Age 78: Ben Franklin invents bifocal lenses
Age 85: Giuseppe Vedi composes "Ave Maria"
According to the U.S.Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of Americans age 65 or older still working or looking for work has grown by 50% since 1980.
60% of Americans age 55 to 64 are still working.
In 2010, it is estimated that 20% of the workforce will be 55 or older.
By 2030, the population of people age 65 or older will double in 26 states.
I am an Ameri-Corps member/Senior Advocate located at the Owensboro Career Center. We offer free basic computer classes for seniors, assist with job search and resumes.
I work in the Senior Center field, and I was wondering what activities could attract new Baby Boomers to the centers?
As one of the late boomers - 1961 - I'm looking forward to utilizing the senior centers for trips and activities. In McLean County, they always have something planned - meals, day trips, and just fun activities. Those participating seem to be getting younger because of it.
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