The Boomer Files, Newsweek, November 14, 2005
DEPARTMENT OF AGING
Why This Legislation is Important:
Society has always responded to the unique needs of baby boomers from building more schools in the 1950’s and 1960’s to creating more housing in the 1970’s. As the first baby boomers turn 60, they are going to redefine the retirement years. Georgia must be prepared for a generation that is different from any other. According to Georgia State University’s Health Policy Center, by 2025 the number of Georgians over age 65 will increase 77%. Baby boomers are better educated, more diverse, and have a longer life expectancy than their parents or grandparents. Many will remain in the workforce longer and have to care simultaneously for parents, children and even grandchildren.
Former Governor Jimmy Carter merged many departments to
create the Department of Human Resources (DHR) in the 1970’s. Now is the
time to modernize government structure by transforming the Division of Aging
Services at DHR to a new Department of Aging. With a sharpened focus on the
current aging programs and services while streamlining administration and
delivery, a Department of Aging would have more flexibility to capitalize on
the unprecedented opportunities to utilize the strengths, talents, knowledge
and
resources of older Georgians as they live into their 70’s, 80’s, 90’s and
beyond.
What Other State Are Doing:
The state agency for aging in at least twenty-three states reports directly to the Governor. Among them are Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia.
What This Legislation Would Do:
- Transform the Division of Aging Services that is currently a part of DHR into a separate Department of Aging as the hub for identifying opportunities to utilize the talents of older adults and for administering programs and services.
