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MINUTES - Draft ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH September 23, 2020 S:\Managers Working Files\BOH\Agenda & Abstracts\2020 Agenda & Abstracts/ September Page 2 areas to be great places for people of all ages. The DOA believes that communities should provide safe, walkable streets; age-friendly housing and transportation options; access to needed services; and opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in community life. • By 2030, one in five Americans will be over 65. In 2035, there will be more people over 65 in the U.S. than under age 18. This is the first time in America that this change will be experienced which is a turning point for the catalyst for revisiting some common practices particularly with land development that have, over time, generated more problems than promise, mostly for older adults. In the last 70 years, most land development has focused on meeting the needs for families with children with little access to transportation. • Social and economic consequences have also emerged including longer commutes, increased social isolation, greater dependency on cars are some of the costs that are even more of a burden to older adults. • Some statistics regarding seniors in Orange County: o 5.4% of people age 65+ live below 100% of the poverty level. 15.4% of people age 65+ live between 100% and 199% of the poverty level. 100% – 199% of poverty levels for one person = annual incomes between $11,770 and $23,539. o People over 65+ are the most cost-burdened age group for housing. 28% of homeowners and 56% of renters are paying more than 30% of their income on housing. o By 2038, persons age 60+ will represent 26% of OC’s population; while children ages 0-17 years will only represent 16% of the county’s population. • There are 2 senior centers – the Seymour Center, opened in 2007, and the Passmore Center, opened in 2009. Due to outgrowing these facilities, a small expansion was done to the Passmore Center. Currently, there is a major expansion undergoing the Seymour Center. • The Master Aging Plan (MAP) process is the DOA’s key to its success to planning for a growing older adult population. o Every 5 years since 2000, the DOA has completed a community wide planning process and created a MAP for the community. The purpose of the plan is to outline anticipated needs for the OC’s aging population, and to facilitate cooperation amongst stakeholders to meet these growing demands. Using the MAP, the DOA was able to pass a county bond to build the two nationally accredited senior centers, help expand transportation services to older adults, and strengthen community partnerships to expand housing options for older adults. • Age Friendly Communities o OC was the first in NC to join the network. An age-friendly community impacts more than just older adults and is inclusive, accessible, and supportive of all residents, regardless of age, ability, or any other characteristic. o Eight domains comprise a community’s age-friendliness. They are outdoor spaces and buildings, transportation, housing, social participation, respect and social inclusion, civic participation and employment, communication and information, and community support and health services. o In 2016, a county wide assessment was launched that was the basis of the 2017- 2022 MAP which can be found on the DOA website along with quarterly updates. The assessment included surveys, focus groups, community meetings and key informant interviews. • The DOA is divided into 3 divisions.