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Aging issues discussed at public forum
Wednesday, July 26, 2006 9:59 PM EDT
The public forum was part of the Kentucky Elder Readiness Initiative announced by Gov. Ernie Fletcher in 2005. The Maysville forum was one of several scheduled across the state to gauge the level of preparedness, as well as generate ideas for what can be done to raise awareness and further prepare.
In attendance at the forum was Health and Families Cabinet Secretary Mark D. Birdwhistell, who flew in to Maysville for a few hours to attend the event.
"You're not here tonight to hear a lot from me," Birdwhistell said in his opening remarks. "Tonight, we want to hear what is going on in the community."
Currently, Kentucky is ranked 27th in the nation in percentage of its population older than 65. However, by 2020, Kentucky will rank 14th. According to the 2000 census, about 17 percent of the population is 60 or older. However, by 2020, more than 1 million people -- equal to 23 percent of the population -- will be older than 60.
"We need to be ready for what's happening in the shift in the aging population," Birdwhistell said. "I look forward to the discussions.
Birdwhistell said Kentucky is leading the nation in its Medicare reform, and that it will no longer be "one size fits all," but provide for varying needs.
The forum, which is sponsored by the Kentucky Division of Aging Services, Area Agencies on Aging and University of Kentucky Graduate Center for Gerontology, was moderated by Dr. Graham Rowles from UK.
Rowles first discussed handouts issued to the group providing statistics for Kentucky and the area. Also, he discussed a few questions on a sheet meant to provoke thought about the impact of the aging population. Some of the questions asked whether teenagers and grandparents would be interviewing for the same part-time job, if hip and knee replacement would become outpatient surgery, and whether Wal-Mart was going to be jammed with motorized carts on Saturdays, among others.
"The aging of this generation ... is going to be very different," Rowles said, noting the baby boom generation will likely not be content to spend their days playing bingo at a local senior center. "Many of you have different aspirations."
Rowles said the phenomena of aging will be much more complex, more diverse. More people will likely begin second careers, or find ways to volunteer their time.
Rowles said the dynamics of the baby boom population will be different in other ways as well. Each generation is healthier than the one preceding it, and more educated. Rowles pointed out they will expect certain things, and with their numbers could have a powerful political influence.
Rowles also noted the relationships between elders and the remainder of society may change, as with generational and geographical separation.
Rowles shared some other information about Kentucky with those gathered at the Mason County Extension Office to spark some thoughts. Among that information, Rowles said that Kentucky is ranked number one in the nation in terms of level of mental distress among the elderly, as well as number one for poor oral health, disability and smoking.
Rowles asked a series of questions to provoke discussion, beginning with a question regarding how Buffalo Trace will be affected by the aging baby boom population.
Some were optimistic the aging population could have a positive effect, such as Maysville Mayor David Cartmell who noted Maysville is one of 11 certified retirement communities in the state.
"We're hoping that because we've put the infrastructure in ... this will become a mecca for the elderly and baby boomers," he said.
Another person present suggested the population will need help seeking advocacy, while others looked at issues of transportation and finances. Kate Hendrickson, with the county attorney's office, said there could be issues with people who live rurally having access to grocery stores or other services.
Rep. Mike Denham, who also works at the Bank of Maysville, said he's seeing "tremendous challenges" at the banking end. He anticipates financial separation in addition to generational and geographical separation, and said there could be an escalation in the financial abuse of the elderly.
Another person brought up the issue that many grandparents are the primary caregivers of their grandchildren, and Rowles shared a statistic that there are 35,000 grandparents in Kentucky raising their grandchildren -- more than are currently in long-term care facilities.
One issue touched upon was the shortage of health care providers in the future. As one person noted at the forum, there is already a shortage of nurses and other medical employees, which could increase in the future.
Yet another issue discussed was the lack of qualified individuals in the work force to assume roles currently held by members of the baby boom population. Some questioned, "what happens when your expertise ages?"
When Rowles asked how aware the community is regarding the issues, most tended towards optimism. However, Caroline Ullery, director of Aging Services at Buffalo Trace Area Development District, said that some people seemed a bit naive regarding their expectations.
"Maybe (the forum) will spark some thoughts in some of our community leaders and agencies," she said Wednesday.
Rowles said a report would be generated for each of the 15 Area Agencies on Aging regarding information gathered from the forums across the state, as well as a state report.
Contact Misty Maynard at 606-564-9091, ext. 274.
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