Waushara Argus, Wednesday, April 10, 2013, Page 3
Waushara County Commission on Aging provides for area seniors Waushara County’s Commission on Aging has a mission: To maintain a high quality of life for the mature population of Waushara County by providing and encouraging services that foster independence. Carol Klabunde, Benefit Specialist, is a vital cog in the wheel that keeps the department rolling along. She is a welcome friend at the Waushara County Commission on Aging. She has been on staff since Feb. 29, 1988. “I have been doing this
for 25 years and I love it,” commented Carol Klabunde. “I like serving people and helping them find the answers to their questions. It is very rewarding when I am able to help them make life just a bit easier.” “Affordable Healthcare is one of the most important items on senior’s minds these days,” commented Klabunde. “The Waushara County Commission on Aging is here to help guide you through the confusing maze of options. Whether it involves the state prescription
plan or Medicare part D, we can help guide you through it.” She continued, “There have been so many changes in Medicare that I always consider it a continuous learning process.” “In this job you just have to go with the flow and help people understand the changes that the government makes,” said Klabunde. “It’s our job to make that transition from working to retirement as easy as we can and to help seniors in any way we can.” Another helpful tool is
the Commission on Aging’s publication, “Loose Ends.” “We publish “Loose Ends” every month. This is a newsletter that fills seniors in on vital changes to Medicare and social security, as well as some fun facts and events,” commented Director Debbie Paavola. “It goes out to all the meal sites, home delivered meals, as well as mail
distribution. “Loose Ends” circulates about 2,200 copies a month.” “In the next twenty years Waushara County is going to see a tremendous jump in the amount of seniors it helps,” said Paavola. “We have to stay abreast of the situation and adjust so we can continue to give the quality of help that we do today.”
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Facts on aging in Waushara County Within the next 10 years, for the first time in history the percentage of persons age 65+ in the world will be greater than those ages 5 and younger. Is Waushara County ready to meet the needs? Here is how those facts will affect seniors in Waushara County: •“Baby boomers” were born between 1946 and 1964. •The first baby boomers started turning 65 in January 2011. By 2030, one out of every five Americans—some 72 million people—will be 65 years or older. By 2050, the 65+ population is projected to be between is projected to be between 80 to 90 million. •Approximately 10,000 people turn 65 every day— this trend will continue for the
next 20 years. •One person turns 65 every 8 seconds. •The life expectancy of a boomer is 83 years. •There will be 21 million people age 85 and older by 2050, the fastest growing segment of America’s aging population. This age group is most likely to need the support of family, friends and the community to remain living independently. Waushara County Facts: •Waushara County’s estimated total population for all age groups is expected to increase from 25546 in 2010 to 27852 in 2035. •Waushara County’s 60+ population is expected to
increase from 26.9 percent in 2010 to 37.7 percent by 2035—an increase of 6.868 to 10511 people •The 65+ population is expected to increase from 18.7 percent in 2010 to 30.6 percent in 2035—an increase of 4777 to 8522 people. •Those age 85+ in Waushara County are expected to increase from 2.1 percent in 2010 to 3.5 percent in 2035—an increase of 542 to 965 people. (Source: Cindy Ofstead, Population Analyst, Wisconsin DHS, and UW-Extension Family Living Programs, “Creating Aging Friendly Communities”) prepared for the Waushara County Department of Aging.
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