Texas' Senior Population Is Relatively Young

AUSTIN, Texas (PRWEB) September 15, 2000 - A relatively young older population, a poverty rate exceeding the national average among the elderly and a projected majority of minorities by 2030, are among the findings by the Texas Department on Aging s Policy and Planning Division in its Demographic Profile of the Elderly in Texas" report.

According to the report, the growth of Texas older population (60+ years of age), for the most part, parallels national trends. However, Texas seniors are distinguished from the older population of other states by greater absolute size, ethnic and racial diversity, and a high poverty rate. Texas has the fourth largest older population behind California, New York and Florida. Texas also has the second largest Hispanic population and the third largest Black population.

   The 60+ population is projected to grow dramatically from 2.7 million in 2000 to 7.5 million in 2030. Most significant, the 60+ population is expected to become more racially diverse, and the 75+ population, which will tap into more long-term care resources, is projected to increase (especially after 2030).
   
   The study reveals widely divergent enrollment rates in Medicaid by race and ethnicity, and reflects a high incidence of poverty in non-Anglo ethnic and racial minority groups. Texas 60+ population is about 72 percent White but only represents 45 percent of the total Medicaid population. Conversely, minorities constitute about 29 percent of the 60+ population, but account for about 55 percent of Medicaid enrollees.

This survey shows theres still a big job ahead for public and private organizations that serve older people," said TDoA Public Information Director Russell Smith. Clearly, many Texans are pretty well-off and justifiably optimistic about their prospects for a secure, rewarding retirement. Its just as obvious, however, that we need more effective outreach to under-served populations -- in addition to our continuing efforts to make it easier for all Texans to access existing services.
Good, reliable research data such as this will go a long way toward helping state government make laws and policies that assure Texas seniors of the help they need and deserve."

   Among the surveys findings are:
·   About 66 percent of the older population are below the age of 75 and found in two age groups, 60-64 and 65-74.
·   There are about 75 males for every 100 females, and the disparity increases with advancing age
·   About 13 percent (338,028) of the 60+ population is enrolled in the Medicaid program; 70 percent are women
·   Ethnic and racial minorities present a majority (55 percent) among 60+ Medicaid participants; minorities are about 29 percent of the total population aged 60+

·   About 15 percent of the 65+ population in Texas received Medicaid covered services in 1998 costing $2.3 billion
·   Majority of the 60+ population is White at 71 percent; Black, 29 percent; Hispanic, 18 percent; Asian, American Indian, Pacific Islander (2 percent)   
·   Medicaid spending for the 65+ population is concentrated in the 75+ age group, which accounts for 73 percent of total expenditures
·   Currently, 75 percent of the 60+ population are White; by 2030, the ethnic and racial minorities are projected to form a majority (51 percent)
·   Demographically, major urban areas have the greatest absolute numbers of the elderly, while rural areas have the largest proportion
·   The Hispanic population is concentrated in the southern and western border regions; the Black poplulation is concentrated in the eastern and northern-central regions; the White population is a majority in all regions except the extreme southern and western regions.

The Texas Department on Aging (TDoA) is the only state agency whose only job is to serve older Texans and their families. Through local agencies and 28 TDoA-affiliated area agencies on aging, the TDoA provides services such as health screenings; help with care-giver and family issues; nutritious meals; senior housing; post-retirement employment; volunteer opportunities; legal aid and transportation, so older Texans can lead productive and dignified lives.
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