The Aging of Macomb County

Macomb County is in the process of experiencing a demographic shift of monumental proportions.  Due to a combination of longer life expectancies, declining birth rates, and the movement of the baby boomer generation into older adulthood, the County’s elderly population is growing at a remarkable rate. This generational tidal wave is inevitable and the implications will be significant and complex. How the County, each community, organizations, and residents view and approach the aging of our population will determine how prepared we will be to take advantage of the positive opportunities and minimize the negative consequences of this phenomenon.

Interesting to Note:  By 2030 1 in 4 of Macomb County residents will be over the age of 65.

In order to better understand and prepare for this monumental demographic shift the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development (MCPED), under the support and guidance of the Macomb County Board of Commissioners, has developed “The Aging of Macomb County”

Mission

“The Aging of Macomb County” is a multi-phased countywide initiative developed to cultivate and support livable communities for all generations. Under the charge of the Macomb County Department of Planning and Economic Development (MCPED) this initiative seeks to establish collaborative efforts with key stakeholders throughout the County, Region, and State in order to address the evolving needs of Macomb County’s growing elderly population.

Vision

MCPED understands that there are numerous ways in which communities, organizations, and individuals can benefit from an increasingly aging population. For the purpose of the initial stage of the Aging of Macomb County MCPED’s vision is focused on two core community level undertakings:

Developing livable multi-generational communities – As the population age 65 and over grows in Macomb County, each community should ensure that they are prepared to accommodate this generational tidal wave. While there is no single answer for aging because every community and older adult faces unique challenges, there are several areas to highlight collectively. Communities need a system of services that integrates daily living needs, transportation, housing, health care, recreation, social services, and educational, social and cultural opportunities to allow older adults to remain active and engaged in society.

Cultivating aging in place – Aging in place is the ability for an individual to continue to live in a familiar, safe, comfortable, and independent environment regardless of age, income, or ability level. Each community must ensure that a sound physical and social environment is in place, which allows individuals, as they age, the ability to participate in family and community activities without barriers.

Report Content and Format

The following document is Phase I of “The Aging of Macomb County”.  Phase I has been developed as an awareness piece to provide all vested stakeholders and the general public with an important analysis of the evolving needs of our County’s dynamic and growing elderly population.

This report discusses the following civic issues with respect to the quality of life for the elderly:

The Demographic Shift

Existing County Resources

Land Use & Housing

Mobility and the Transportation Network

Service, Advocacy, Development and Engagement

Health Care, Personal Care and Wellness

Older Residents as Economic Generators

Closing Thoughts and Next Steps

Next Steps

This document is to be utilized as the foundation for discussions between community leaders, the general public, and public and private organizations regarding the impact of aging on Macomb County. Highlighting best practices locally and nationally Phase 1 of the Aging of Macomb County focuses on the importance of collaboration and partnerships. By increasing the network of potential partners who are interested and addressing the aging of our communities MCPED will work to develop and support a team of appropriate stakeholders who can better understand aging as it relates to Macomb County.

Please take some time to explore “The Aging of Macomb County” document, and should you have any questions or would like to be involved in the next steps of “The Aging of Macomb County” please contact MCPED at (586) 469-5285. 

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