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As the population ages, how prepared is our state and nation to meet their needs?
The economy, immigration, abortion and many issues dominate public policy debates, but what about the needs of one of the fastest growing segments of the population?
What about their right to live as independently as they can for as long as they can?
The percentage of the U.S. population 65 and older continues to increase and will do so for the foreseeable future. The same trend is true for Missouri.
According to a report in July, the older segment of the U.S. population is 17.3% and is projected to reach 20% by 2030. The older population in Missouri mirrors that of the nation, currently at 17.26%, but is projected to be 21% by 2030, slightly ahead of the national growth.
However, according to an analysis of Missouri’s future population growth reported by the Division of Budget and Planning in the Office of Administration, the older population will be the fastest growing — because of increased longevity and aging of the Baby bBoomers — and will have the greatest impact on Missouri than the growth of any other age group.
When will there be a national public policy agenda to address the needs of our seniors?
When will it become a higher priority in the state?
The U.S. overall is not ready to meet the basic needs of an aging population.
Some would readily point to Medicare and Medicaid programs. They do meet certain needs. But, too often their future support becomes a political football embroiled in warnings of being underfunded, depletion of resources, or total elimination.
While Medicare and Medicaid programs may continue to survive, any agency or organization addressing the needs of the seniors in their communities will tell you that those programs are not enough.
This is particularly true for older Americans who are not living in nursing homes or do not require other institutionalized care but who are trying to live independently for as long as they are able.
They need an array of ancillary services to help them maintain some quality of life.
Those services can include support with housing, meals, transportation, socialization, various counseling and educational services.
But the many agencies and organizations providing these needed services in their communities are often underfunded and understaffed, relying heavily on philanthropic gifts and a cadre of volunteers.
How is it that we as a state, a nation, a society, can be content to leave addressing the service needs of a population segment that has been there civically and professionally for their communities and country for decades — during the prime years of their lives?
Limited government grants, sporadic philanthropic gifts, and a revolving door of volunteers will not be able to take care of an increasing population with increasing service needs.
Many counties across the nation have begun to address the need for more long-term sustainable funding sources for senior services by gaining support for public policies and tax levies.
Missouri adopted a law in 1989 that authorizes counties to ask voters to allow a tax of up to 5 cents per $100 of assessed valuation on all taxable property for the purpose of providing services to persons sixty years of age or older.
Currently, 55 of the 115 counties in Missouri have senior levy funds.
That number could increase to 56 if Jackson County voters approve County Question #1 on the Nov. 5 ballot that would establish a Senior Service Fund.
A coalition of agencies and organizations has been working for the past two years to get the Jackson County Legislature to put the question on the ballot. The need for senior services throughout Kansas City has outgrown the available sources of funding which are often competitive and inadequate.
Agency leaders describe how they are unable to meet many needs and the urgency of having Question #1 pass.
We are in a time when many aspects of humanity are devalued, negotiable and expendable when we look at politics, brutal wars and conflicts occurring all around us.
Closer to home we are also sending a message about how we regard and treat the most needy and vulnerable among us.
Notably, our senior citizens.
A society is judged by how it cares for them. Sadly, how older citizens are regarded varies across the world. It ranges from seeing them as a segment to be respected and valued to perceiving them as a burden and valueless.
There are policies and programs on the national and state levels to address some of the needs and services of an older population that is increasing and getting older.
But not nearly enough.
Public policies that address the service needs of an aging population, and how to meet those needs in the most cost efficient and effective way, are sorely needed for our nation and our state.
Sooner than later.
Missouri, through an analysis, has determined that its aging population will have a greater impact on its resources than other population segments in years to come.
At a minimum, counties can establish a senior levy fund as an option. But it remains to be seen whether it will be adequate. An assessment of need vs. levy funds will be required.
As citizens give their best years civically and professionally, is having the ability to live out their lives as independently as possible — with some level of support if needed — too much to ask of a society where they have given so much?
Even then, seniors still have much to give.