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Illinois aging agencies will be holding a series of roundtable
discussions around the state to help shape the future of
policymaking for the state’s older population.
According to 2020 Census data, Illinois’ 65+ population is now
over 16% and growing, with higher numbers in rural areas. During
a Governor’s Rural Affairs Council (GRAC) webinar, Sandy Pastore
with Illinois Healthcare and Family Services said the 85+
population has exploded.
“For a long time and I think it’s still true, the age 85 and
older is the fastest growing age group of our population,” said
Pastore.
Pastore said many older Illinoisans are not aware of the
services available to them from the state, and the roundtable
discussion will help the situation.
“We found that our services have a low visibility rate among
older adults and family caregivers across the state, so we want
to increase that visibility,” said Pastore.
Liz Vogt, senior policy advisor with the Illinois Department of
Aging, said the agency is trying to use technology to help
senior citizens.
“We are trying to bridge that digital divide by providing
tablets and hotspots for internet access to older adults so that
they can do more FaceTime or telehealth visits,” said Vogt.
The agency found that overwhelmingly, older adults want to “age
in place” in their home and community rather than moving to a
nursing facility.
Several roundtable discussions are scheduled for September,
including in Quincy. Springfield and Peoria.
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