With increasing age, comfort and knowledge surrounding internet use and navigating technology is a bigger concern. However, as the younger cohorts age, they are likely to take their technological know-how and comfort with the technology with them. This potentially speaks to the need (although further research is necessary) to develop more technology- based approaches to outreach and service delivery.
Home Maintenance and Housekeeping
The majority of survey respondents indicated an issue with regular home maintenance and repairs (81.6%) and it was relatively consistent across age categories. Approximately three- quarters (71.8%) of the respondents indicated an issue with housekeeping, and the percentage was higher among respondents in their 50s (73.4%), 80s (74.0%), and 90s (82.9%). Nearly seventy percent (69.1%) of all respondents reported an issue with yard work and the percentage was nearly identical for respondents in their 50s (72.2%) and 90s (72.1%), though the reasons for difficulty may be different. These results point to a need for more data that can get specifics about the types and sizes of repair and maintenance needs, as well as the specific reasons keeping people from completing the tasks themselves. Based on that data, solutions could be identified; some solutions would include broadening home repair programs, helping people move from high- maintenance homes to low-maintenance apartments, home-sharing options, and others that will help people stay independent and aging in place.
Home Maintenance
Housekeeping
Yard work
Not an issue
Not an issue
Not an issue
Age Category
An issue
An issue
An issue
27.8%
72.2%
50-59
17.2%
82.8%
26.6%
73.4%
31.7%
68.3%
60-69
17.7%
82.3%
29.0%
71.0%
30.4%
69.6%
70-79
18.1%
81.9%
30.2%
69.8%
32.6%
67.4%
80-89
19.8%
80.2%
26.0%
74.0%
27.9%
72.1%
90+
21.5%
78.5%
17.1%
82.9%
30.9%
69.1%
Total
18.4%
81.6%
28.2%
71.8%
Health Care and Living Expenses
Most adults over 60 years of age have healthcare coverage through Medicare in addition to supplemental coverage through Medicare Advantage plans and/or Medicaid. Despite high rates of health insurance coverage, more than half (58.8%) of the survey respondents indicated some difficulty affording healthcare and the percentage was highest among respondents in their 50s and 60s (71.8% and 65.3%, respectively). This pattern was similar across other common healthcare expenses including vision, dental, and prescription medications.
Region II: PCOA
Area Plan 2024-2027
Page 100 of 113
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