Workgroup Addresses Aging Issues

 

Senior volunteer John Hoffman of Napa Valley was recognized for his service in the new publication,

California has 3.5 million people age 65 and older -- more than any other state -- a number expected to nearly double by 2020. In some California counties, older adults make up as much as 20 percent of the population, creating a burden on health and social care systems. One-third of the elderly live on $15,000 or less per year; in rural areas, that number increases to 43 percent. Rural elderly are more likely to report that their activities are restricted due to physical problems. This population is becoming increasingly diverse in gender, ethnicity, geographic location and income.

The CE Workgroup on Aging Californians in Rural and Urban Areas and its advisory group are working to meet the challenge of an increasingly elderly population. The group disseminates information to county advisors and supervisors in order to increase understanding of aging issues (http://groups.ucanr.org/elderly).

 

 
In 2001, the workgroup completed a survey of CE advisors and supervisors regarding currently used and needed programs on aging. Although only 45 percent of respondents provided aging programs, 80 percent had a desire to do so. Results indicate that programs on finance, wellness/illness and grandparenting are top priorities. Lack of time, staff and funding are the major barriers to providing programs.

To address these issues, the workgroup is publishing a news bulletin titled "California Aging Issues" (http://groups.ucanr.org/elderly). The group hopes to increase knowledge of aging issues, encourage aging programs and enhance communication of CE personnel working in areas related to aging. Each issue includes a pull-out section, e.g., "How to Talk to Your Doctor," highlights of a senior volunteer, myths about aging, news from the state Legislature, information about coming events and Web resources.
 

 
Workgroup meetings and publication of "California Aging Issues" provide an avenue for communication among CE advisors and administrators interested in aging issues, as well as enhanced communication with government institutions and private, not-for-profit groups. Northern and Southern California CE personnel are contributing to the publication, describing their innovative and usable programs on aging. Others are writing articles about their senior volunteers or share information on special interests. The publication is drawing interest from around the nation, with several requests to reproduce specific articles or portions of articles.
 

Supporting Unit: Alameda County
 
Mary L. Blackburn, NFCS Advisor
University of California Cooperative Extension
(510) 639-1274 or mlblackburn@ucdavis.edu