The LBJ School of Public Affairs convened researchers and policymakers for a discussion on the needs of aging adults in Texas and the United States at the Livability for Longevity Symposium on April 17. The conference, spearheaded by Dr. Jacqueline Angel, featured student research on aging in Austin and a keynote address on intergenerational care from Dr. Shannon Jarrott, a professor of social work at Ohio State University.
People today are living longer than at any time in human history. The need for health and long-term care as well as the financial support of older persons will take center stage. By 2030, older Texans are expected to outnumber children. By 2050 one out of every four people in the United States will be 65 or older. 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 poses serious financial and practical problems for families and government at all levels. Dr. Angel's work focuses on these changing health and supportive care needs of an aging metropolis.
Watch on Fox 7 Austin: Krista Weatherford, who will graduate from the LBJ School with her Master of Public Affairs in May, works with Dr. Angel on aging policy. She spoke with Fox 7 Austin about resources for aging adults in Austin.
