The Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation (AAACF) commissioned the AAACF Washtenaw County Healthy & Fulfilling Aging Systems Research Report: 2020 Analysis of the Local Senior Ecosystem & Opportunities, first of its kind research, to learn from older adults and caregivers in Washtenaw County about what matters most to individuals aged 55 and older and to explore potential community-driven solutions. 

AAACF contracted with Root Cause, a national research firm specializing in community development and systems change, on the report.

The community foundation is the largest grantmaker for older adult needs among Michigan’s community foundations and through this report, sought to understand the current status of local seniors and the systems designed to serve them.

The research project began in November 2019 and gathered insights through interviews with more than 70 local older adults and focus groups.

We’re sharing key takeaways and solutions from the report.

Demographics of Older Adults in Washtenaw County

•    Washtenaw County is home to an estimated 371,000 residents. More than 20% (72,000) are 65 years or older, and 15% identify as people of color.

•    79% of adults age 65 and older are not employed. In the past 12 months, 90% of households led by individuals 65+ years old received a mean income of $24,026.

•    Of the 50,000 adults age 65 and older who are not living in an institution setting, more than one in four (29%) have a disability. 

•    10% of older adults speak a language other than English, and 5% expressed challenges speaking English.

•    15% of older adults are U.S. military veterans. 

•    44% live alone, 3% live with their grandchildren and 1% are caregivers.

According to the report, “The demographic data reveals that service accessibility, availability and quality can differ for older adults based on geographic location, race, class, socioeconomic status and more. Healthy and fulfilling aging requires an interconnected web of services that accounts for these differences.”

Common Barriers to Healthy and Fulfilling Aging

From the more than 70 interviews and focus groups with older adults, the most common barriers to healthy and fulfilling aging were around the areas of housing, transportation, social connection and technology and access to information/services.

•    Respondents cited lack of affordable, senior-friendly housing options and the need for a central resource for affordable, vetted housing services like report contractors, real estate brokers, affordable housing programs and more. 

•    Respondents expressed that getting around Washtenaw County is very difficult without a car and that there is a strong need for a coordinated transportation system which offers door-to-door service and affordable options. 

•    Older adults shared the negative impacts social isolation has had on their mental and emotional well-being amid the pandemic, with many trying to stay connected through phone and Zoom calls. The need for access to high-speed internet and comfort with using a computer were critical during the pandemic.

•    Respondents shared that information on services and resources for older adults is difficult to find. The respondents cited the need for a centralized agency to help people plan for older adulthood, find resources, navigate health and financial benefits and access reliable information.

Recommended Actions

Based on the review of demographics and learnings from older adults, the report highlights four action strategies for impact and the intended results.

•    Solidify a more robust field around Healthy & Fulfilling Aging and Aging Justice: A cross-sector, collaborative stakeholder group to serve as an anchor to develop and own a county-wide aging strategy, expand partnerships with other groups, spread an aging justice lens across other fields and promote ages-friendly practices.

•    Champion older adult capacity to influence systems change: Empower older adults to expand civic engagement, generate new leaders and work with allies to build a political and economic power that works to improve aging systems. 

•    Shift mindsets to prioritize aging, older adults and systems change: Value older adults as a priority stakeholder group for engagement and investment.

•    Advance targeted solutions in priority aging areas: Solutions are defined, prioritized and make implementation progress in the areas of transportation, housing, community connections and equitable access.

AAACF shared it is committed to advancing these strategic actions through funding and collaborative partnerships. 

Want more?

Read the full report. 

AAACF has also named its new president and CEO, Shannon E. Polk, J.D., D. Min. Polk is an accomplished nonprofit leader with demonstrated success as an executive director, trainer, consultant, and board member as well as comprehensive experience in philanthropy including grantmaking, estate planning and fundraising. Read AAACF’s full press release.