BUS FPX 3026 Current and Projected Future Demographic Breakdown of the Aging Population

The World Bank (n.d.) reports a steady increase in the U.S. population from 1960 to 2017, with approximately 36 million more people in 2017 compared to 1960. According to the U.S. Census Bureau (n.d.), the population of Columbus, Georgia, was 194,058 as of July 2017, with 12% of that population being 65 years or older. This percentage mirrors the senior population in the entire state of Georgia, where nearly 14% of residents are seniors (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.). The city’s population is almost evenly divided by gender, and the median income stands at just over $43,000, with about 22% living below the poverty line (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.).

In terms of racial demographics, Columbus is almost equally composed of white and black citizens, with less than 10% identifying as Asian or Hispanic (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.). The city has three hospitals—two nonprofit and one for-profit—that serve its population. As the senior population grows, these hospitals, along with other community resources, must be prepared to address the increased healthcare needs of aging residents.

Community Options Available to Meet Current and Future Needs

Columbus offers several community resources for its aging population, primarily through the River Valley Regional Commission (RVRC) and the River Valley Area Agency on Aging (AAA). These organizations provide various programs such as “Georgia Cares,” which offers assistance with Medicare, case management services, caregiver support, and senior center activities (GeorgiaCares, n.d.). In addition, assistive technology is available, offering devices such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, and other tools to aid seniors in their daily activities (RVRC, n.d.).

YMCA facilities in Columbus also offer the “Silver Sneakers” program, which provides free gym memberships and fitness classes for Medicare beneficiaries. The community also has several retirement homes, long-term nursing facilities, and adult daycare centers to meet the growing needs of seniors. One notable retirement facility, Spring Harbor, offers a variety of housing options and healthcare services, including wellness programs, rehabilitation services, and on-site medical care (Spring Harbor, n.d.).

Recommendations to Help Meet Needs

According to VanBooven (2019), seniors face various challenges regarding healthcare, including medication costs, transportation, and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). One recommendation is to expand home care options for seniors, which could include telehealth services and home care assistants (VanBooven, 2019). Telehealth allows seniors to consult with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes, reducing financial and transportation barriers. As baby boomers tend to be more tech-savvy, many are capable of using digital health tools, making telehealth a viable option for this generation (Eagle, 2014).

Given that baby boomers expect high-quality care and personalized healthcare experiences, hospitals must adapt their services to meet these expectations. This requires investing in technology, staff training, and patient-centered care strategies to remain competitive and meet the needs of the aging population.

Conclusion

The rise in the aging population presents both opportunities and challenges for hospitals. Administrators must integrate this demographic shift into their strategic planning, ensuring that they have adequate staffing and resources to provide quality care. Collaboration with community resources is essential to provide cost-effective care. As baby boomers continue to age, hospitals must prioritize high-quality care and exceptional patient experiences to remain a preferred healthcare provider.

References

Eagle, A. (2014, November 5). Boomers put new demands on health care design. HFMMagazine. Retrieved from https://www.hfmmagazine.com