Many statistics and research projects have indicated that senior citizens make up the fastest growing segment of the American population. By 2030 the number of people ages 55 and older will nearly double to 71.5 million, or 20 percent of the population.
According to the Indiana Business Research Center (IBRC) at Indiana University one in eight Hoosiers reached the age of 65 in 2000. With increased life expectancy and more baby boomers (people born between 1946 and 1964) reaching retirement age, that figure is expected to jump to one in five (or an additional 162,000 seniors) in less than 20 years.
“Between 2000 and 2020 most areas of Indiana can be expected to see an increase in seniors and a loss in the 25-to-54 age group,” said John Besl, demographer for IBRC.
Marion County’s senior population, which stood at over 95,500 last year, is expected to grow to over 140,000 in 2025.
As the number of seniors increases so will the demand for services to meet their needs.
Jewel Human Services, the outreach arm of Eastern Star Church, is one of several faith-based organizations making an effort to help seniors address those needs.
Jewel Human Services will host a special Seniors Forum on Saturday, Aug. 18 from 3-5 p.m. in the banquet room of the church, located at 5750 E. 30th St. The event will include a panel of special guests who will answer questions about issues of concern to senior citizens, especially property taxes, reverse mortgage, predatory lending, Medicare and wills and estates.
Guest panelists who will answer questions include Marion County Treasurer Michael Rodman, Diana Rice-Wilkerson and Janis Bradley, host of the WTLC-AM (1310) “Home and Finance Show” and Anita Harden, an attorney who practices elder law.
Darnae Scales, director of Jewel Human Services, said the Seniors Forum, which is free and open to everyone, was commissioned by Eastern Star Church Pastor Jeffrey A. Johnson Sr. He noticed that many seniors in his church had questions about various issues affecting them, especially the impact of property taxes on homeowners with fixed incomes.
“Our goal is to offer support to this growing segment of our community and offer a program that will provide them with useful information,” Scales said.
Many topics discussed in the Seniors Forum will correspond with many concerns outlined in a recent survey conducted by the Indiana chapter of the American Association of Retired People (AARP).
According to the survey, which explored the opinions of over 1,200 AARP members, senior citizens in Indiana are most concerned about access to affordable prescription drugs, improving the quality of nursing homes, increased options for seniors who want to stay home as they age, consumer protection against fraud, affordable utilities and insurance and the prevention of elder abuse.
“We encourage everyone to come out, even those who are not seniors,” Scales added. “This will also be a great opportunity for caregivers and family members. It is designed to be very beneficial for everyone.”
For more information about the free Seniors Forum call Jewel Human Services at (317) 547-5483.
