1. Aging then & now…
60+ is a broad and expanding demographic.

2. Look familiar? Who do you picture when you think of old age?
Is aging the same now as it was 30 years ago?
Is sixty old?
Talking about the image of aging and introduce questions to consider

3. Social concept of aginG
Talk about negative imagery around aging – words like Frail, Sick, Vulnerable, Dependent, Slow, Isolated, and Helpless
Social concept of aginG

4. The truth is that aging isn’t and doesn’t have to be a negative experience…. Talk about diversity of older people… words like Active, Vitality, Experienced, Fun, Carefree, Healthy, Social, Full of Life
Realities of Aging

5. “over sixty” is a 30+ year age range
The Older Americans Act defines a senior as anyone over 60
Older Adults are a huge and diverse demographic
Are you the same now as you were 30 years ago?
Over sixty includes two generations now – Baby Boomers and The Greatest Generation. Segue into discussion on what change over thirty years looks like…

6. Since 1987…
Cell phones in 1987 and Today

7. Since 1987…
English Royalty, 1987 and Today

8. Since 1987…
American Royalty, 1987 and Today

9. Since 1987…
Donald J. Trump in 1987 and today

10. Since 1987…
Most popular TV shows in 1987 and today…

11. Since 1987…
Chevrolet Corvette 1987 and Today

12. Since 1987… The global population in 1987 was 5 Billion.
Today it’s 7.5 billion.
Global Population

13. Since 1987…
America’s largest retailer in 1987 and today.

14. How can we anticipate future change?
Change is inevitable
How can we anticipate future change?

15. Predicting the Future…

16. Diversity & Demographics
Older adults’ diversity goes beyond age.

17. Adults 65+ in salt lake county
Population 100,802
44.7% Male and 55.3% Female
Race & Ethnicity:
92.8% White,
0.6% Black,
0.3% American Indian,
3.0% Asian,
0.7% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander,
6.7% Hispanic or Latino
Disabilities:
34.5% With Any Disability
65.5% No Disability
Marital Status:
58.7% Currently Married
23.2% Widowed
14.0% Divorced
0.9% Separated
3.3% Never Married

18. Adults 65+ in salt lake county
20.7% Are in the Labor Force
6.8% Have Income Below Federal Poverty Level
93.3% Live in Same Residence as One Year Ago
20.7% Are Veterans
12.6% Speak a Language Other than English
89,970 Are Native Born Citizens
10,832 Are Foreign Born
70.8% are Naturalized U.S. Citizens
29.2% are Non-Citizens

19. Demographic Projections
Utah age demographics has historically been based on a large number of children with a smaller older adult group.
By 2065, Utah demographics will appear more beehive shaped with an even distribution of age groups, but notably a larger older adult population.

20. Demographic Projections
“The share of Utahns age 65 and older will double between now and ” - Pamela Perlich, PhD Director of Demographic Research, University of Utah
The 60+ population in Salt Lake County will surpass the school-age population by 2033.
And will exceed it by over 70,000 in 2050.
Currently, only 13% of Salt Lake County older adults receive some form of support from Aging & Adult Services.

21. Implications for providers
Partnerships are vital to meeting community needs.

22. Collaboration is key
Now more than ever, service providers must work together to meet complex and changing needs.
Public Institutions
Nonprofit Providers
Private Businesses

23. Aging in place People want to maintain their independence as they age.
For most people, this means aging at home, not in a residential care facility.
A primary goal of livable communities is to help adults age in place.

24. Livable communities
Communities aren’t always designed with the needs of older residents in mind.
Livable Communities Address:
Mobility
Housing
Access to Amenities

25. Livable communities What makes a livable community?
Outdoor Spaces & Access to Nature
Safe & Affordable Transportation
A Range of Affordable & Accessible Housing Options
Social Participation, Cultural Organizations, Libraries, & Places of Worship
Respect & Social Inclusion
Civic Participation & Employment
Community Support & Health Services
Communication & Information, including Access to Technology
What makes a livable community?
Credit: n4a

26. How do we get there? Move away from… Move toward…
Siloed Service Providers
Competition
Deficit Thinking
Duplicating Services
Counting Outputs
Braided Services
Collaboration
Asset Based Approaches
Complementary Services
Achieving Outcomes

27. Sounds great. But does it work?
Talk about the Transit Together Grocery Project as a partnership for livable communities – Wasatch Manor, Friendship Manor, AARP, and Aging Services.
Sounds great.
But does it work?

28. Where we go from here
Changing the narrative on aging.

29. Starting the Dialogue All issues eventually become aging issues.
Center the experiences of older adults and caregivers.
Utah as a family-focused state.
Discuss how we change the cultural narrative on aging – and how strategic partnerships play a role by breaking down silos, sharing resources, and working toward common goals. (specifics on next slide)

30. Moving the work forward
Data Driven Strategy
Consistent Messaging
Unified Front on Critical Issues
Respectful Discourse
Taking Shared Risks (e.g. Pilot Programs)
Sharing Data & Expertise
Supporting Each Other’s Initiatives
Establishing Common Goals
Collaboration as a Learning Opportunity
Talk Brass Tacks about how partnerships can change perceptions, achieve outcomes, and shape policies and communities. Provide examples of how Aging & Adult Services is pivoting to a more partnership-based, collaborative, and data-driven strategic model.

31. service providers + communities
Community involvement is critical.
Volunteer
Speak Up on Social Media
Vote
Support Innovative Projects
Combat Stereotypes
Run for Office
Make Your Voice Heard
Talk Brass Tacks about how partnerships can change perceptions, achieve outcomes, and shape policies and communities. Provide examples of how Aging & Adult Services is pivoting to a more partnership-based, collaborative, and data-driven strategic model.

32. Last Word
Ready to take action?

33. Thank you.
Paul Leggett, Director of Salt Lake County Aging & Adult Services