Background

Wisconsin’s Changing Demographics and the Importance of Livable Communities

In 2017, the US Census Bureau reported that 15% of Americans were 65 and older. In Wisconsin alone, the number of residents 65 and older in 2013-2017 was 15.6%, slightly higher than the national rate. Due to the “baby boomer” population getting older and Americans living longer, our aging population in Wisconsin will only continue to grow. Below are age projections of 2025 and 2035.

A map of Wisconsin by county is shown, titled "The Age Wave: Percent of the Population Age 65 and over 2025." All counties have at least 12.1-15% percent of the population 65 and over 2025, with some, particularly in the north of the state, of 27.1-43.4% of the population age 65 and over 2025.A map of Wisconsin by county is shown, titled "The Age Wave: Percent of the Population Age 65 and over 2035." All counties have at least 15.1-18.0% percent of the population 65 and over 2025, with some, particularly in the north of the state, of 27.1-43.4% of the population age 65 and over 2025.

(Maps and projections provided by the Applied Population Lab via WI DOA Demographic Services, Population Projections, Vintage 2013, prepared by Eric Grosso, WI DHS Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources.)

 

The State of Aging (the “what”)

Within two decades, approximately one in every five Wisconsin residents will be age 65 or older. For many of our rural counties – particularly in the northern tier of our state – this is already the case. By 2035, the older population in some rural counties will be between 35-42%. At least 45 counties are projected to have more than a quarter of their residents age 65+, and virtually all 72 counties are projected to have 65+ populations that constitute at least 17% of the population. There is a large proportion of us in Wisconsin that are older adults, and it is an opportunity for all of us to ensure our communities create the resources and tools to be prepared for changing needs and priorities.

Contrary to popular belief and stereotype, only a minority of older adults actually move to warmer climates upon retirement.  Most of us remain in our own homes and communities as we age. In fact, the majority of people retire where they spend the final years of employment.  Between 2011 and 2012, for example, only about 3 percent of people age 65 and older moved; compared to 14 percent of people under age 65. We want to think about being able to “age in community,” not just aging in place, meaning there is community-wide support for everyone to age and thrive (n4a, 2014). With this in mind, every community – rural or urban – will need to adapt to an increasingly older population. Consequently, a primary goal for community-level planning efforts should be to create environments that are “aging-friendly”; that is, settings where we can live our entire lives rather than having to relocate when we experience the personal changes in health and functioning that accompany later life.

The qualities and characteristics of an aging-friendly community do not only impact us as we age in our community. These are some of the same qualities and characteristics that many young adults and young families are also looking for in communities, otherwise known as a “livable community.” By focusing on these, your community may also address issues of retaining and/or attracting young people with which many aging communities are dealing. The community, as a whole, can benefit from implementing strategies in top priority areas found in the Creating Aging-Friendly Communities Survey.  An “aging-friendly” community is an “everyone-friendly” community. This will benefit everyone regardless of age by allowing older adults to stay involved in our communities or “age in community”, in addition to the added benefit of inter-generational connection and collaboration.

Importance of addressing the needs of the aging population (the “why”)

Communities all over the country will continue to age over the next couple of decades as the “baby boom” generation gets older and as Americans are living longer, healthier lives. Some counties in Wisconsin will have almost half of their population over the age of 65. Addressing our needs and our families’ needs as we age is a critical part of maintaining community health and wellness, preventing public health issues, and supporting economic productivity and development across the age spectrum. Older adults and their families often express a desire to “age in place”, and communities with aging-friendly characteristics and values facilitate that. Further, our communities can limit or mitigate the potential strain on social services that may accompany an aging population, by thinking ahead and preventing problems. As Abraham Lincoln is often credited with saying, “the best way to predict the future is to create it.” Communities that come together to curate inventive solutions enable everyone to be able to age in a more positive and supportive environment.  By having our communities enact aging-friendly initiatives, our communities will also be strengthened by capitalizing on the strengths and experiences of all members of our population across the lifespan. As we age, we gain momentum from built up experience and wisdom. Our communities and families can benefit from these attributes by creating communities that allow us to stay involved as we get older. Finally, an “aging-friendly” community is also an “everyone-friendly” (or livable) community. These initiatives can therefore improve the quality of life of all of our community members. Communities that do not take the time to consider and plan for the needs of their aging populations will face challenges supporting the needs of their constituents overall. (Frameworks Institute, 2017) 

“All Americans have the right to participate fully in our democracy, our economy, and our community life. But right now, our society starts to exclude us as we age. Americans are living longer, but our systems and structures haven’t been adjusted so that older people can stay involved. Instead, our workplace policies, our transportation systems, and other features of everyday life have the effect of isolating and marginalizing older adults. To build a more just, more inclusive society, we need to take steps to prevent social isolation of any group, including older people.” (Frameworks Institute, 2019) 

Qualities of an Aging-Friendly (Livable) Community (the “how”)

There are 6 qualities to be considered when thinking of aging-friendly, or livable communities. 

INCLUSIVE – People of all ages, races/ethnicities, and abilities, especially older adults, are welcome. 

SUSTAINABLE – Residents are committed to a lifestyle that is sustainable environmentally, economically, and socially. Size matters. People need to know each other ,and scale determines the nature of human interaction. Small is better. 

HEALTHY – The community encourages and supports wellness of the mind, body, and spirit, and, to the same degree, plans and prepares programs and systems that support those dealing with disease, disability, and death. 

ACCESSIBLE – The setting provides easy access to the home and community. For example, all homes, businesses, and public spaces are wheelchair-friendly and incorporate universal design features. Multiple modes of transportation are encouraged. 

INTERDEPENDENT – The community fosters reciprocity and mutual support among family, friends, and neighbors across generations. 

ENGAGED – Promotes opportunities for community participation, social and civic engagement, education, and creative expression. 

*Source:  Moving beyond place: Aging in Community. Generations, 33(2), 12-17, Thomas, W. H., & Blanchard, J. M. (2009).

It’s important to note that promoting age-friendly qualities in communities does not need to be expensive or an isolated project. Simply approaching existing strategic planning initiatives with an aging-friendly perspective in mind can present many opportunities to make small changes that may make a big difference.

Next Up: Survey