Aging in Place

As more baby boomers choose their independence particularly to ‘stay put’ during their golden years, the term ‘aging in place’ will become commonplace in our everyday lingua. Baby boomers are known to buck trends and this is one of such known current trends – their choice and independence on where and how to live after retirement and well into their late years.

According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (hud.gov), “In the coming decades, increasing life expectancy, a declining birth rate, and the aging of the baby boom generation will dramatically increase the number and proportion of the U.S. population over the age of 65. This aging of the population presents a number of challenges and unanswered questions, including where people will live and how they will obtain the support and care they will need as they age while retaining as much independence as possible. “

Already, policies are being shaped, communities are adapting their neighborhoods and community services are finding ways through public-private partnerships to reach and support seniors who are “aging in place’. One such adaptation is through the support of the Onondaga County’s Department of Adult and Long Term Care through its senior shopper services program. As part of this program, senior County senior residents who meet certain minimum requirements may be able to receive bi-weekly grocery shopping assistance. This is particularly helpful during the long winter months when seniors find it difficult to be outside to do their own groceries. If you know any senior who could use such assistance, please contact the County’s Office of Aging for qualification.