Demographic Shifts Require Thoughtful Preparedness

It is clear that we are facing one of the greatest projected demographic shifts in our history in the coming decades. Recent statistics have shown that by 2025, 18 percent of our state’s population will be over the age of 65. This is a significant increase over the current senior citizen population of 10 percent.
As a number of Georgians age gracefully in the coming years, our state needs to be thoughtfully prepared and equipped to align our policies with measures that will address the concerns of a larger segment of older adults. This includes making certain our state agencies are ready to properly meet the requirements of an aging population.

The Georgia Senate recently passed SB 341, sponsored by Sen. Lee Hawkins (R-Gainesville), which would begin the process of evaluating, monitoring and addressing these issues by calling upon the Georgia Council on Aging to prepare a report for the General Assembly, “Project 2020: Georgia for a Lifetime.”
Currently, the Council on Aging serves in an advisory capacity to the General Assembly and Governor’s office, as well as all state agencies. Advocating for seniors and their families, the council has given the legislature direction and guidance when considering issues that affect aging adults. However, this report will give the legislature specific research, which will prompt consideration of potential action items.

The report will review our state policies concerning older adults and whether or not our agencies are currently ready to meet the needs of this growing population. The council will consider a myriad of issues areas that have the potential to impact senior citizens. Issues such as health, safety, housing, transportation, employment, care giving, education, volunteerism, legal and financial preparedness, as well as social and recreational resources will be researched. The council will study other states that have implemented successful programs and initiatives, especially those that proactively engaged older adults as mentors and volunteers. Both public and private entities should play a role in facilitating communication and coordination of winning programs for this population and ways to work in partnership will be discussed.

As your Lt. Governor, it is my goal that our state continues to meet the ongoing needs of our senior citizens well into the future. It is a tremendous opportunity for our state to continue to foster a ‘senior friendly atmosphere.’ We want to make Georgia a state where senior citizens will desire to live and enjoy this productive phase of their lives. Throughout my life, I’ve witnessed first-hand the significant contribution senior citizens have made in my hometown community. By being leaders in civic organizations, giving of their time and talents through volunteer work, and providing wisdom and experience, our community has thrived as a result of a great deal of positive energy from our seniors. We should eagerly embrace our senior citizens and work to encourage aging adults to consider the Peach State as an attractive and fulfilling place to spend their golden years.

Cagle is Lt. Governor of Georgia.