Transforming Human Services for Older Adults: Responding to our
Aging Society

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Contributor(s): Jessica Bizub

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  Transforming Human Services for Older Adults: Responding to Our Aging Society details the findings and broad recommendations that resulted from the planning process.

There is no doubt that our population is aging. In fewer than 25 years, one-in-five Americans will be aged 65 years or older.

With the increasing uncertainty of public assistance programs on which many older adults rely, changing family structures, and as medical advances extend the lives of those with chronic conditions, older adults will come into contact with nonprofit social service agencies in greater numbers than ever before. Social and human service nonprofit agencies, many of which have traditionally focused on youth and nuclear families, must begin preparing to address the implications
of an aging society.

The Atlantic Philanthropies recognizes the profound implications of an aging American society and has funded the Alliance to develop and implement a $2.6 million strategic plan. Carried out through the Alliance's New Age of Aging initiative, this plan will prepare agencies to improve social and human services for older adults.

The planning process for the New Age of Aging included demographic studies, focus groups with older adults and human service professionals, a survey of Alliance member organizations, literature reviews, and interviews with key leaders in the field of aging.

The results of these activities were discussed by the National Leadership Advisory Committee, which developed recommendations to enhance social services for older adults. Transforming Human Services for Older Adults: Responding to Our Aging Society provides details about these finding.

 

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