Q & A with Tina Abbate-Marzolf, CEO, Area Agency on Aging 1-B

The Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development just released its much anticipated report, “The Aging of Macomb County.” 

According to SEMCOG projections, by 2030, more than 25 percent of Macomb County’s population will be over the age of 65.  (By comparison, approximately 13 percent of today’s population falls into this category.)  The comprehensive report analyzes how these anticipated changes will impact our communities and the unique challenges and opportunities that an older population will present.

eMacomb sat down with Tina Abbate Marzolf – Chief Executive Officer of the Area Agency on Aging 1-B to discuss the report and other critical matters facing our senior population.

What is the role of the Area Agency on Aging 1-B?

The Area Agency on Aging 1-B (AAA 1-B) is a nonprofit organization designated by the State of Michigan to assure there is a comprehensive and coordinated system of community-based social, nutritional, and health-related services that respond to the needs of older adults in Macomb County, as well as five other counties in southeast Michigan.  We utilize state and federal funds allocated for the region to support over 20 different services that help older adults maintain their independence, including programs like home delivered meals, in-home care, legal assistance, adult day service centers, chore services, etc.  The AAA 1-B does not provide these services directly. We contract for or purchase services from a large number of community organizations.


The Aging of Macomb County study documented the implications of monumental growth in the older adult population.  Will this change be good or bad for Macomb County?

That depends on how our community organizations and leaders react to this senior population boom.  An AARP survey found that 59 percent of Baby Boomers plan to relocate in their retirement years.  If Boomers chose to leave Macomb County to head north or south in their retirement, it will be a devastating loss to the region.  If we can create conditions that will make them want to stay, the county will reap the benefits. 


What Benefits Will Be Realized?

A growing older adult population will be an economic boom to the county.  In 2007, the US Census estimated that the heads of 65+ households in Macomb County had an average income of approximately $32,746 per year.  That equates to $2.9 billion being pumped into our local economy annually, 92 percent of which is spend immediately.  And the best part about this money is that it is income that seniors bring into Macomb County from outside the region, in the form of social security, pensions, and earnings on investments.   Annual older adult spending on health care of more than $14,000 annually will strengthen our health care systems.  A study commissioned by the Council of Michigan Foundations projected that the transfer of wealth between generations from 1995 to 2005 will equal approximately $11.3 billion.  In addition, older adults contribute as seasoned workers, active volunteers, philanthropists, and unpaid caregivers for children, grandchildren, and persons with disabilities. 


How Can We Be Sure to Seize This Opportunity?

The strategic vision outlined in The Aging of Macomb study - developing livable communities that are elder-friendly, and which support aging in place, is a great next step.  This means making sure that our communities are sensitive to the needs of older adults, and offer a social and physical infrastructure that makes older adults want to live here.  The most desirable communities have senior-friendly features like accessible and affordable housing options; mobility features like public transportation and walkable areas; attractive social, recreational, and leisure activities; opportunities for meaningful civic engagement; and a strong safety net of social services with choices to support senior independence.  The best part is that elder friendly is “everyone” friendly, thus livable communities benefit residents of all ages.


What are some of the challenges that can be anticipated from the aging of the population?

Realizing there are almost as many age 65+ households with annual income above $30,000 as there are those with income below, there are many poor and near-poor seniors who cannot afford to purchase needed services at private market rates.  These older adults  will need help from government-funded programs to maintain their independence.  The problem is that flat government funding for social services has resulted in erosion of the purchasing power of public and charitable funds due to inflation and growing needs.  From 2002 through 2006 the purchasing power of funding for AAA 1-B services has eroded by 20 percent.  Statewide, we served one million fewer home delivered meals over that period, despite growing demand.  Government support for these programs must keep pace with demand, and individuals who can afford to pay for services must be encouraged to do so.


The State of Michigan and Macomb County government are both in the midst of structural budget deficits and difficult economic conditions.  Is there anything that can be done to lessen the burden of government?

Yes.  Wise investment of public resources can lessen the needs of older adults.  The vast majority of problems seniors face relate directly or indirectly to chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart conditions, diabetes, etc.  Currently, 80 percent of adults 65 and older have at least one chronic health condition; 50 percent have at least two.  Fortunately, studies show that through changes in activity and lifestyle, many chronic conditions can be prevented or at least better managed.  Strategic investments in prevention efforts such as wellness programs, elder-friendly housing design, and alternative transportation can help suppress the problems caused by poor health, household injuries, social isolation, etc.


Do these changes just benefit seniors, or is there a broader community impact?

Making Macomb County a more desirable community for retirees to age in place has profound social and economic benefits for residents of all ages.  SEMCOG reports that the four segments of our local economy with the strongest growth potential are health care, leisure, education, and services.  Older adults are a primary target market for three of those four industries.  And most seniors have family members living nearby, so when you extend help to a senior, you are also helping one or more family caregivers who may also be struggling to maintain their career and raise a family at the same time.  Senior services benefit Macomb County families and businesses as well.  This is why the AAA 1-B looks forward to working with the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development in the Phase II effort to find viable solutions that will enable Macomb County to “capture the wealth of experience”.