Aging Texas Well Issue Brief Series

In 2004, Texas conducted a survey to establish and objectively measure indicators of successful aging. As a follow-up to this initial survey, the Aging Texas Well 2008 Indicators Survey was conducted and the report is now available that provides data on how older adults view their own aging process. When compared to the 2004 benchmark data the 2008 survey helps to gauge whether older Texans' perceptions have changed over the intervening four years. Both surveys identify policy issues that will help guide Texas' readiness and preparation for a rapidly growing aging population.

Texas has 3.1 million people over the age of sixty, ranking it as the fourth largest older population in the nation. In 1997, Texas began the Aging Texas Well (ATW) initiative to help prepare for the impending needs of a rapidly aging population.

The survey was developed around the 16 life areas (PDF format) that include both individual preparedness and social infrastructure. For both the 2004 and 2008 studies, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services contracted with the Survey Research Center at the University of North Texas to conduct the telephone survey of older Texans.

Based on telephone interviews with more than 1,000 Texans aged 60 and older, the survey provides information on how these individuals think about themselves and the communities in which they live.Â The survey is not a "needs assessment," but rather focuses on individual behaviors and perceptions. Responses provide insight into how older Texans feel about aging. For a full picture of the 2008 Indicators Survey data, please see the Aging Texas Well Indicators Survey Overview Report 2009.

The ATW Indicator Issue Briefs Series will provide a series of concise articles, organized around topics from within the 16 life areas. Each brief will draw from national data to reflect on Texas' survey results, compare the 2004 and 2008 data where significant differences occur, and explore implications for future policy considerations. New ATW Issue Briefs will be completed soon. You can find them here in the months to come.

Issue Briefs (PDF format)

Mental Health and Substance Abuse — Good mental health is a critical component of healthy aging. This issue brief addresses the 2008 Aging Texas Well (ATW) Indicators Survey and other important research regarding mental health and substance abuse in older adults, and describes several current initiatives in Texas.
Physical Health — Physical health is one of the most significant components of overall health and wellness. This issue brief discusses findings of the 2008 ATW Indicators Survey along with other state and national data regarding physical health, disability, and chronic disease, and illustrates several current Texas initiatives designed to promote health.

top of page

If you want to subscribe to this page, click here. DADS contracts with a company called GovDelivery, Inc., to provide e-mail updates. When you sign up for e-mail updates, you are giving your information to both DADS and to GovDelivery. When DADS has your information, it is subject to the DADS privacy policy. When GovDelivery has your information, it is subject to their privacy policy. Read the GovDelivery privacy policy.

Updated: February 2, 2010