Aging in Marion a presentation commissioned by the Friends of the Marion Council on Aging Jan E. Mutchler, PhD Center for Social & Demographic Research on Aging Gerontology Institute University of Massachusetts Boston September 17, 2014

Overview of the presentation Discussion of recent and projected population trends Demographic description of the senior population in Marion Strengths and vulnerabilities of Marion’s seniors What do Councils on Aging do? Councils on Aging in similarly sized communities

The population of Marion is older than the population of Massachusetts Source: 2010 Census, DP-1 3

Looking back: 20-year growth in Marion’s population has been entirely among Boomers and Seniors Source: U.S. Census of Population

Substantial growth of the Senior population has occurred in Marion in the last decade Source: 2010 and 2000 Census, Summary File 1, Table QT-P1

Looking ahead: prospects for the future in Marion Source: U.S. Census of Population; UMass Donahue Institute (projections)

Looking ahead: prospects for the future in Marion 2010: 1,437 seniors, 29% of the population Source: U.S. Census of Population; UMass Donahue Institute (projections)

Looking ahead: prospects for the future in Marion 2030: 1,650 seniors, 40% of the population Source: U.S. Census of Population; UMass Donahue Institute (projections)

Nearly half of Marion homes include one or more seniors Source: U.S. Census 2010, Summary File 1, Tables P24, P25, P26

Substantial shares of Marion households are headed by seniors – including owner-occupied homes Source: American Community Survey, Table B25027

Demographic characteristics of Marion’s seniors A majority of Marion’s seniors are women –54% of those age are women –67% of those age 80+ are women The vast majority of Marion’s seniors are White, and non-Hispanic More than 93% of seniors age 65+ speak only English at home Source: U.S. Census 2010, Summary File 1, Tables DP-1 and QT-P1; American Community Survey, Table B16004

Where and with whom do Marion’s seniors live? (Residents aged 65+) Source: U.S. Census 2010, Summary File 1, Table P34

Strengths and vulnerabilities among Marion seniors

Most senior householders are homeowners --and most do not have a mortgage Source: American Community Survey, Table B25027

Median income of senior householders in Marion is low relative to younger householders Source: American Community Survey, Table B19049

Nearly one-quarter of Marion senior households have incomes of $100,000 or more Source: American Community Survey, Table B190437

Disability levels increase with age Source: American Community Survey, Table B18101

Other characteristics of Marion’s seniors: Most older men are veterans: –78% of men age 75+ in Marion are veterans A sizable share are working: –42% of Marion residents age worked in the previous 12 months Marion seniors are highly educated: –42% of Marion seniors 65+ have at least an associate’s degree

Summary Seniors represent a large and growing share of the Marion population Most Marion seniors are financially secure, live in owned homes and with family, and are not disabled But sizable shares struggle financially and/or have one or more disabilities As a group, the oldest seniors are more vulnerable: more widows, more low income, more disability

Councils on Aging and their impacts on communities

Councils on Aging LeadershipActivitiesReferralServices Promoting health and wellness Supporting economic security Enhancing community livability Facilitating social engagement

How active are COAs in other towns of similar population size? Source: Web search, MA towns of population 4,000-6,000 in 2010

Sample COAs and their features Chart all towns Breakfast 5 days/wk Lunch 3 days/wk 4+ activities/day Monthly off-site trips Access to additional programs TownPopulation% age 60+ Rochester5,22921% Chatham6,12548% West Bridgewater 6,91624% Mattapoisett6,04528% Cohasset7,54222%

Sample COAs and their features Chart all towns 2-6 activities/day Lunch every Monday Variety of other programs, some in partnership with other local groups TownPopulation% age 60+ Rochester5,22921% Chatham6,12548% West Bridgewater 6,91624% Mattapoisett6,04528% Cohasset7,54222%

Sample COAs and their features Chart all towns 3-5 activities/day Off-site trips Lunch 3 days/week On-site senior supportive care program 3 days/wk TownPopulation% age 60+ Rochester5,22921% Chatham6,12548% West Bridgewater 6,91624% Mattapoisett6,04528% Cohasset7,54222%

Sample COAs and their features Chart all towns Full schedule of daily activities Exercise, speakers, entertainment, trips Outreach support and transportation TownPopulation% age 60+ Rochester5,22921% Chatham6,12548% West Bridgewater 6,91624% Mattapoisett6,04528% Cohasset7,54222%

Sample COAs and their features Chart all towns Share space with a community building Activities offered in different locations Good transportation and congregate meal programs TownPopulation% age 60+ Rochester5,22921% Chatham6,12548% West Bridgewater 6,91624% Mattapoisett6,04528% Cohasset7,54222%

Discussion Jan Mutchler Gerontology Institute University of Massachusetts Boston