Nevada’s growing senior population
A recent RGJ article discusses the growing senior population in Nevada and some important issues this growth raises. According to the article, a recent study shows that Nevada has a very low number of seniors living alone. Some say that this is an influx of recent retirees, but many seniors state that it is because of the expenses of living alone in Nevada. This has a huge impact on many of Nevada’s families as many retirees on fixed incomes need help from their children.
Gilbert Cortez, a senior living in Sun Valley states:
I’d have to move in with someone or be out in the streets–and more likely I’d be on the streets.
Washoe County is planning to hold a meeting on March 21 to discuss the implications of and a plan for the growing senior population. Nevada, at the moment has a low number of seniors aged 85 or older, but that will change.
Administrator for Nevada’s Division for Aging Services, Carol Sala, states:
As younger seniors start aging in place, we need to look at workforce shortages [and a] growing need for transportation.
All of these issues, as well as the impact on the family, will be discussed as part of a 10-year plan at the meeting on March 21.