Elder Services in Maine Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

1
Elder Services in Maine Yesterday, Today and
Tomorrow

• Mary Walsh
• Director of Community Programs
• for Diana Scully, Director of the Office of Elder
  Services

2
Population Change

• In 1950 the proportion of Maines population that
  was age 55 and over was 19
• In 2000, this was up to 24
• In 2005, this was 27
• By 2015, one in three Maine residents will be 55
  or older and by 2030, older persons will comprise
  39 of all residents in Maine

3
Population Change

• Increases in life expectancy
• Improvements in medical technology
• Aging of the Baby Boomers are contributing to
  unprecedented growth in older Mainers

4
Population Change

• Maine has the highest median age in the nation at
  about 42 years old
• It is the 7th oldest state when measured by the
  of the population and is projected to be the 2nd
  oldest by 2020, behind only Florida

5
Who are these Older Adults?

• They are poorer than older people in the U.S. and
  in New England
• Maine ranks 18th in the nation for persons aged
  65 who are at or below the Federal Poverty Level

6
Impact on SHIP/SMP

• Good news older adults are living longer,
  healthier lives. In 1999, people age 85 had a
  life expectancy of 6.4 years including 3.0 years
  of active living
• By 2015, it is projected that people age 85 will
  have a life expectancy of 7.0 years, of which 4.1
  years will be active living

7
Impact on SHIP/SMP

• Likely that many people will remain in workforce
  or undertake volunteer activities, possibly as
  SHIP or SMP volunteers view them as a resource
• Growing need by older adults and people with
  disabilities for the type of assistance you
  provide education, information and assistance
  with understanding and receiving Medicare benefits

8
To Close

• Diana wished you all to know she respects and
  admires the work you do to help older adults and
  those with disabilities remain as independent as
  possible for as long as possible.