Older Vermonters in Windham County want to be self-determined, connected and fulfilled with health systems of support that work for everyone.
Can we get there from here?
Vermont is getting older, fast.
Vermont has more people age 65+ per capita than any other state in the Nation, except Maine. Windham County has more people 65+ per capita than any other county in Vermont.
Take a look at the charts below and see for yourself what’s coming in the next decade.
-
Andrew and Kathy live in Marlboro, Vermont and are hoping for the best for their final decades of life. Read Andrew and Kathy’s story here.
-
Mary is 77 and lives in Wardsboro with her husband. They love their home and would like to stay there as long as possible. But they’re not sure they’ll be able to given the resources they have now, and what’s available to help them. Read Mary’s story here.
-
Richard is a retired physician who understands the importance of social connections in the last decade or two of life. He’s doing everything he can to stay active and connected. Read Richard’s story here.
Where will we be in 2030?
Baby Boomers make up the largest segment of the population. Are we prepared for the boomers to retire in Windham County?
-
We are predicting how many older adults will be living in Windham County based on several sources, including U.S. Census Data.
-
With the increase in the number of older adults in our County, we can anticipate an increased need for services.
-
We can plan for the significant increase in older adults in our County, and ensure we remain a wonderful place to age.
We’re concerned.
In our November 2022 report we shared data on demographics, health care, and systems that serve older Vermonters in Windham County (see our report).
We are continuing to follow these demographic trends in health, wellness, housing, transportation, and healthcare workforce. We know we need to adapt and collaborate with each other to meet the needs of the quickly growing segment of older adults in Windham County and Vermont by 2040.
What can be done?
That’s what we’ve set out to determine together. And after a year of collecting data, learning from other parts of the country, and collaborating with the State of Vermont - we’re hopeful. We believe it’s possible not only to keep older Vermonters safe and well cared for, but to be one of the best places to grow older into our last decades of life.
We aim for older Vermonters to be self-determined, connected, and fulfilled. And we’ve started making a plan to get there.
Our Windham County Action Plan for Healthy Aging
Health Goal: Improve health measures for older adults by 2040.
Wellness Goal: Increase access to information, resources, and opportunities for older adults to age well within their community by 2040.
Housing Goal: By 2040, everyone has adequate housing at each stage as they age in Windham Couty.
Transportation Goal: By 2040, every resident over 60 has access to a means of transportation for medical appointments and quality 0f life trips.
Healthcare Workforce Goal: By 2040, all older adults will have the healthcare professionals they need at every level, state, and disciplines from oral health, home health aides to specialists, and to end of life.