Plan Commission Looks at Community Impacts from Aging

Increased life expectancy is creating record numbers of people aged 65 and older. While this age group represented only 13% of the population in 2000, it will comprise about 21% of the population in 2030. The group expected to grow most rapidly in the next 30 years is the one aged 85 years and older. What does this demographic shift mean for Columbia in the future?
 
Members of the City's Plan Commission are undertaking an assessment to focus upon the Columbia community's readiness for the impact of an aging population upon various aspects of community life. In this task, the Commission is using assessment tools provided by the Area Agency on Aging of Southwestern Illinois. The agency has already assisted other Metro East communities, such as Edwardsville and Waterloo, in completing similar assessments.
 
The Plan Commission expects to complete their assessment and have it ready for public review by April, 2010. In the meantime, public input is encouraged as the Commission reviews each area of interest. While identifying challenges confronting Columbia in the various areas assessed, the Commission also hopes to identify many of the positive features that already make this city a very desirable community for the aged—and for other citizens—now and in the future.
 
For a schedule of meetings and additional information, please visit the City of Columbia’s website.