A SNAPSHOT OF

HUMBOLDT COUNTY

OLDER ADULTS

FY 2009/2010

Prepared by Area 1 Agency on Aging January 2010 Seniors residing in Humboldt County  According to the California Department of Finance 2010 Projections 26,209 persons age 60+ reside in Humboldt County, representing 18% of the County’s population. The number of seniors is expected to more than double by 2040.  Statewide, seniors compose only 15.5% of the population. 80-89 The impact of the “Boomer” Generation years 70-79 years  There are 67,168 individual residing in PSA 1 born 90+ years 60-69 before 1965 (the “Boomer” generation), representing years 41% of the total population  45% won’t be able to afford to retire  50% are raising one or more young children  34% are providing assistance to their parent(s) under 60 yrs Humboldt County  13% are raising a child AND providing assistance to a Population 2008 est. parent (“sandwich” caregivers)  10% are living in poverty  90% intend to remain in the communities in which they currently live Seniors in poverty  Slightly over 12% of the over-60 population has income at or below poverty level  The Social Security Administration reported 467 persons received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) “aged” benefits during 2009. The standard SSI payment for “aged” recipients in 2009 was $845/month. Seniors with disabilities  Almost 49% of people over the age of 65 in Humboldt County have a disability that may affect daily activities (including functional impairments: sensory, physical, mental, self care, and going outside of home).  16% of the 65+ population have some level of cognitive impairment. It is estimated that almost 3,500 individuals in Humboldt County suffer from some type of dementia. 70% of those individuals are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.  Slightly more than 2% of the senior population resides in an institution; 98% are aging in their own homes and in their communities. Seniors as caregivers  Nearly 410 (1.7%) of Humboldt County seniors report that they have primary responsibility for raising their grandchildren.  17.6% of those over age 60 act as caregiver for another senior.

Geographic distribution of seniors (based on U.S. Census Divisions)  Over 33% of Humboldt County seniors live in a rural setting.  40% live in the City of Eureka, Cutten, Myrtletown, Pine Hill, Bayview, Humboldt Hill and surrounding areas  16% live in the City of Fortuna, Hydesville and surrounding areas  14% live in the City of Blue Lake, Trinidad, McKinleyville, Westhaven-Moonstone, and surrounding areas  13% live in the City of Arcata and surrounding areas  9% live in the Garberville, City of Rio Dell, Redway and surrounding areas  5% live in the Willow Creek and surrounding area  3% live in the Ferndale and surrounding area The Area 1 Agency on Aging frequently asks The following categories have been identified seniors about their needs, concerns, and by National Association of Area Agencies on issues through surveys, public forums, focus Aging as critical issues for seniors, caregivers groups, informal discussions, and outreach and their families. conducted by staff and the Advisory Council.  HEALTH- information about local resources; Preventive Health Care Clinics; physical activity and medication management; Health Insurance Seniors Top Concerns Counseling and Advocacy Program; mental health programs; respite programs; Caregiver  Accidents in the home Registry, Elder/kinder program.  Household Chores  Health Care  NUTRITION- Brown Bag programs, senior  Money to live on congregate and home delivered meals, nutrition  Loneliness education presentations, Farmers Market Vouchers for Seniors.  Transportation  Energy/Utilities  EXERCISE- promotion of physical activity, active  Obtaining information about living community development, strength training, services/benefits and fall prevention courses.  Isolation  TRANSPORTATION -participation on  Crime transportation advisory councils, host Mobility Days, provide information and assistance for transportation options.  PUBLIC SAFETY/EMERGENCY SERVICES promote individual and organizational disaster preparedness, volunteer management assistance in disasters. The Area 1 Agency on Aging also requests  HOUSING- provide minor home modification information from service providers who work programs; senior housing options; age-in-place directly with seniors, caregivers, and communities; out of home placement assistance; individuals with disabilities to find out which in-home caregiver support and training; long-term services are most frequently requested. care planning.  TAXATION AND FINANCE- provide information and assistance for bill payment Top Needs Identified by Service Providers assistance, tax assistance, homeowners/renters assistance, money management, legal services,  Housing Alternatives (affordable & senior discount or reduced fee programs. accessible)  WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT– provide  Obtaining information about referrals for employment training and assistance; services/benefits caregiver training and registries.  Available Caregivers  Transportation  CIVIC ENGAGEMENT/VOLUNTEER  Nutrition/Food OPPORTUNITIES- provide volunteer  Help with Household Chores management training, volunteer opportunities; Intergenerational programs.  AGING/HUMAN SERVICES- develop community coalitions to ensure that seniors and persons with disabilities can continue living independently at home and in the community.  POLICIES/GUIDELINES- advocate for senior and caregiver issues at local, state and federal levels. Engage in policy and systems change discussions for aging services as influx of older adults emerges.