We’re Not Getting Any Younger

Many younger people may not give a lot of thought to what their lives will be like when they reach the age of 60, 70, 75 and older. They may just feel that if they’re lucky, they’ll reach their senior years. But if they’re luckier, it will not only happen but also be the “golden” experience it should be without many of the avoidable problems that can beset older adults.

Fortunately, many agencies in Orange County are giving thought, and needed planning, to meeting the challenges of the county’s aging population.

The latest statistics place the number of people older than 60 now living in Orange County at 391,000--an increase of 27% from 1990. But more dramatic jumps in the older population are forecast. It’s expected to nearly double by 2020, when about one of every four residents will be over 60. Projections are for a 36% jump to more than 533,000 older adults by 2010 as the baby boomer population reaches their 60s.

That growth in the number of older residents will greatly increase the need for affordable housing, health care, transportation for those no longer able to drive or take municipal buses, and for nutritious home meals and in-home care services.

There are some encouraging signs that the county Board of Supervisors is aware of the potential problems and may also be ready to give the issue the high priority it deserves, but has lacked for so long.

In September, the board hosted a conference on aging. The more than 1,100 people who attended heard Supervisor Chuck Smith declare, “We are acutely aware of the lack of available funding for services.”

Now, after leaving the county’s Area Agency on Aging without a director for 18 months, the board appointed Pamela Mokler to the post. That will breathe new life into the agency.

Mokler plans to improve the existing Web site and hotline connecting seniors and their families to resources that can help them. This will help create a coordinated system between the county and others. She also wants to supply more affordable senior housing and improve public transportation for older residents.

Most important, however, is the budget proposal and plan Mokler says she will submit to the board by June. Improving access to resources will do no good if those groups don’t have the money to run their programs. The supervisors must help supply those funds.

With the eighth-largest population of older residents in the nation, and a projected doubling in less than 20 years, the county cannot waste any more time in meeting the needs of its aging residents.