Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
As California's Elderly Population Surges, It Becomes More Diverse With A Greater Number Of Disabilities
KQED: The Future Of California’s Seniors: More Diverse, But More Disabled Too
The number of seniors in California is expected to more than double by 2060, from roughly 5 million to 12 million. A new report from the Legislative Analyst’s Office says this future senior population will be more racially diverse than seniors in the U.S. as a whole: the state’s elderly population is projected to become majority nonwhite as soon as 2030. The proportion of these future seniors who are disabled will also increase. That’s because nonwhite populations have higher disability rates. Seniors are also expected to live longer, and seniors over age 85 experience higher disability rates as well. (Feibel, 11/29)
Nashville Tennessean: Online Tool Helps Determine When Loved One Needs More Senior Care
There's a new online tool from the Council of Aging of Middle Tennessee to help guide people through the early steps of whether an aging loved one needs more, or different, care. The council is partnering with Roobrik, a start-up in Durham, N.C., to put a 23-question assessment on COA's website that asks questions of family members, friends or even the individual to better understand the status and the options for care. The online tool is great for the Council on Aging of Middle Tennessee's audience, who are often professionals who don't have the time to exhaustively research options, said Grace Smith, executive director. The Council on Aging puts together a directory of resources that people can peruse, but has been getting feedback that indicates the volume is overwhelming. (Fletcher, 11/28)
Denver Post: Colorado Must “Act Now” To Address Aging Population, Rising Costs, Study Says
Colorado’s aging population will have a profound impact on “virtually every Coloradan” over the next 14 years, according to a new report commissioned by state lawmakers. And, the planning group says, if steps aren’t taken to prepare, it could have a dramatic impact on the state budget, which would see its revenue growth slow just as the costs of health care and other senior services are expected to explode. (Eason, 11/29)
