Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services

Community Assessment: An Overview

Texas is Aging

Between the years 2000 and 2040 the number of people age 60 and older will increase 193 percent; the number of people age 18-59 will increase 57 percent; and the number of people age 0-17 will increase 31 percent.Texas has more than 2.7 million residents over the age of 60, representing 13 percent of the population. By 2030, it is projected that this number will increase to 7.4 million or 22 percent of the total population.

People over the age of 85 are the fastest growing population group in the state. The older population of Texas is larger, poorer, and more racially and ethnically diverse than in other states. This creates unique challenges and will radically transform our state.

Are we prepared for the challenges and opportunities of an aging Texas?

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Why Engage in an Aging Texas Well Community Assessment?

This effort is part of a national movement to promote aging-friendly communities through planning and capacity building. Key efforts include:

  • The National Governor's Association (NGA), which has recognized that one of the top 20 actions governors can take is to promote "a lifetime of health and dignity" by creating elder-ready communities. Governors are encouraged to support statewide initiatives and local governments in the areas of affordable housing, transportation, and community supports. The NGA has launched several initiatives specifically designed to help states create policies and programs to aid the nation's communities in meeting this challenge.

  • The federal Administration on Aging (AoA) has awarded grants to identify and showcase communities that best meet the criteria of a livable community and to highlight promising practices that can be used by county and city governments in preparing for the aging of the baby boom population. These models will serve as a framework for discussion at the 2005 White House Conference on Aging.

  • The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (N4A) has identified the need for every state and community to prepare for the implications and effects of the demographic trends of longevity, aging in place, and other realities of the baby boom generation. N4A supports including a new title in the Older Americans Act Reauthorization of 2005 to assist states and communities in this preparation.

  • Some communities have successfully completed a formal assessment process and are publicizing their aging-friendly status through Retirement City certifications. Community organizations, such as chambers of commerce, use these certifications to draw new residents and businesses to their communities. Tyler, Texas, is a Certified Retirement City.

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What is Aging Texas Well?

Aging Texas Well (ATW) means that Texans prepare for aging in all aspects of life and that state and local social infrastructure facilitates aging well throughout the life span. ATW consists of 14 areas of individual well-being and community supports. The model recognizes that:

  • Successful aging does not begin at age 60, but begins at birth. Everything we do throughout our life will impact how we age.

  • The well-being of older Texans is holistic in nature across multiple life areas and is driven by individual choices and quality of life.

  • Preparation and aging well is dependent on a strong relationship between individual actions and community support.

The topics outlined in the Aging Texas Well model are driven by the Declaration of Objectives in the Older Americans Act as defined by a Vision Statement for an Aging Texas.

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How to Use the ATW Community Assessment

This assessment provides a step-by-step process and tools to help communities achieve the following outcomes:

  • Identify the key stakeholders and leaders in the community and create a vision of successful aging.

  • Assess the current community infrastructure in terms of strengths and weaknesses.

  • Take action to create a community that supports your vision for an aging-friendly community.

The ATW Community Assessment Tool provides general information on the role of community assessments, strategies for establishing a team of stakeholders to lead the assessment, and key questions to ask to evaluate current status and identify areas that need improvement. Multiple resources are provided to guide you through this process. Use the following links to get started.

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The Next Steps

  1. Understand the Key Principles of Community Assessment
  2. Define your Community
  3. Form A Community Assessment Team
  4. Use the ATW Community Assessment Survey
  5. Take Action and Plan for Your Future

Related Links

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Updated: November 2, 2007