Livability for Longevity: Changing Needs in an Aging Metropolis

People today are living longer than at any time in human history. By 2050 one out of every four
people in the United States will be 65 or older. Although significant differences in life
expectancy at birth and at 65 based on race, income, ethnicity and more persist, in general all
groups have benefitted from better nutrition, medical care, and a generally improved quality of
life. Longer lives clearly represent progress, but combined with declining fertility and shrinking
family size, an aging population will fundamentally affect all social institutions, including the
family. This new reality of a radically changing population profile poses serious financial and
practical problems for families and government at all levels.

Perhaps the most important implication of this new demographic and social reality stems from
the ways in which it could affect relations among generations. By 2030, older Texans are
expected to outnumber children. As a consequence, the needs of aging adults will place new
demands on family time and budgets during their empty nest years. Whereas during the baby
boom our social agenda was defined largely by need to build elementary, middle, and high
schools, as well as to provide opportunities for higher education, increasingly the need for
health and long-term care as well as the financial support of older persons will take center
stage.

The L&L Symposium on Changing Care Needs for an Aging Metropolis Conference speakers will address the following topics:

• Intergenerational Community Building Strategies;
  
• Awareness of Services by Older Adults;
  
• Challenges of Affordability, Mobility, and Health;
  
• Access to Community Resources
  

Host or Publisher The LBJ School of Public Affairs