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Irene Rubin's avatar

well done. One point I would add would be the importance of immigration, both because it can offset some of the aging with younger folks and because immigrants are often the caregivers in retirement homes and nursing facilities.

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Herb Paine's avatar

Good point.

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El Cee's avatar

Good alert, Herb!

In addition to affordable housing options for seniors, we also need AHO for essential workers (first responders, medical), more of whom will be needed as America ages.

Re. “We need to find a way to strike a balance that ensures that while we’re supporting older adults, we’re also creating a sustainable future for the young.”

Absolutely! This is why generational housing and ADUs are key.

In addition to “a unified national approach (so) that every senior has the resources they need to thrive,” we need local initiatives as well.

The Scottsdale Independent reported last fall that a “substantial portion of Scottsdale’s residents are preparing to retire… (apx.) 37,655 people out of a population of just over 243,000.”

The need is already here but we’re behind on initiatives to address these issues.

Incumbent officials are well aware of what’s at stake. Potential successors are less likely to care.

#voteincumbent

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Herb Paine's avatar

Solid points. Thanks.

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El Cee's avatar

More support for your Silver Tsunami alert at https://www.brookings.edu/articles/a-home-care-benefit-for-medicare.

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Chris Cerrato's avatar

Thank you, Herb, for this interesting discussion. I think medical and pharmacy care will continue to evolve to support the growing senior population. I point to recent legislation to lower prescription costs for seniors, which will expand to include more drugs and also affect the costs of other medications, like insulin, for consumers who are not seniors, provided we do not elect republicans who would stifle this effort. I did not realize how quickly aging demographics are changing! I put a lot of weight on the practice of people aging within a community rather than in isolation, just because of the social benefits to health and the practical effort in doing the daily stuff of life. Nice to be able to reach out to someone who is nearby, especially in walking distance, it can make a big difference.

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