Identification of the needs of senior citizens and family caregivers in our region is an important task of the Area Agency on Aging. The Older Americans Act establishes a goal that the Area Agency on Aging prepare an assessment of the needs every four years. This is then to assist the Area Agency on Aging in their development of an action plan, known as the Area Plan.
To accomplish this important task, the Area Agency on Aging engages the community as well as its internal resources. The internal resources include the Advisory Council, Board of Directors members and staff. The members of the Advisory Council and Board of Directors revised the survey tool used four years ago. This was done to allow for comparison with prior results.
Members of the Council, Board and staff also worked to ensure geographical representation and made efforts to reach all populations of older persons and family caregivers. This year’s efforts achieved responses from several target populations.
A needs assessment is a way to determine if the Area Agency on Aging is on track – are we addressing the identified needs? With responses from over 900 local senior citizens, it is comforting to know that our work to ensure the independence of older persons through effective community services is on target.
Based on projections, by the Year 2030, 29% of the County of San Luis Obispo population will be over 60 years and 27% of the County of Santa Barbara County will be over age 60. This is a 61% increase from 2010. As a result, the Area Agency on Aging plan now for not only the needs current needs of seniors, but also the needs of the future.
It is important to acknowledge that there are many partners who we will work with to continue the work of the Older Americans Act and continue to meet the needs in the coming decades. Together we will develop a vision for our community that ensures independence, dignity and safety – the hallmark of the Older Americans Act.
Senior citizens in the Central Coast have spoken. We are listening. On behalf of the Area Agency on Aging I want to affirm to this community, that the Area Agency on Aging is committed to building a ‘senior friendly’ community.
Gary Suter
Executive Director