Tuesday, August 30, 2016

From Our CEO...


At a recent meeting of the REAL Services Board of Directors, we discussed our nation’s changing demographics and the impact that the Baby Boom Generation will have on our agency, on our community, and on our society as a whole.

According to the Indiana Business Research Center “The dominant force behind Indiana’s changing population dynamics is the aging baby boom generation. The first boomers hit age 65 in 2011 and the entire cohort will be of traditional retirement age by 2030. By that point, the senior population’s share of the state total will jump from 13 percent in 2010 to 20 percent….”

Of that group, research also suggests that those 85 years of age are the fastest growing segment of our population - by 2050 the 85+ age group will reach 19 million nationally - 24 percent of older adults, and five percent of the total population. Those over 85 years of age are more likely to have Alzheimer’s or related dementia, and/or need assistance to live independently.

Just think about the social, medical, and financial impact of those numbers. We at REAL Services think about it every day.

While I admit the future can look a bit overwhelming; there is a very bright side! We draw our strength from our shining stars - our local partners - the individuals, groups, and corporations who help us serve those in need. The almost 6,000 supporters, who paint homes, deliver meals, drive to the grocery store, lead a support group, teach a class, donate supplies, donate gifts, buy a raffle ticket, donate money, and so much more! 

To all who assist REAL Services in helping the elderly, disabled, and low income families in our region live as independently as possible – and to those who assist our communities in other ways – Thank YOU! You are so very needed and so very appreciated.

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