Local Mayor's Association in Kenton County welcomes researcher to discuss findings from her Age Well Initiative project.
Research on Aging in Kenton County Underway
A significant study is being conducted in Northern Kentucky to understand the needs and challenges faced by the rapidly growing older population in the region. The study, led by Dr. Jane Smith from the University of Cincinnati and Dr. Laura Allen from the Erickson School of Aging Studies, is a collaboration between the University and the Northern Kentucky Area Development District.
Laura Allen, a post-doctoral research associate, is focusing her research on adults aged 65 and above, as this is when most individuals begin to receive Social Security and Medicare benefits. According to the latest data, the older population in Kenton County, which includes around 28,500 adults over the age of 65, accounts for approximately 16.3% of the total population. By 2030, this percentage is expected to increase to 18.7%, and by 2040, it is projected to surpass 20%.
The study employs an asset-based community development approach to identify people, groups, and resources throughout Kenton County. Allen and her team are collecting primary data through community conversations, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews. The topics emerging from these conversations include housing, transportation, long-term care, access to information (including digital literacy), food security, social participation, recreation, and wellness.
Commissioner Jon Draud has suggested that the age for the research should be adjusted upward, considering the increasing life expectancy. Allen acknowledges the diversity of the older population and aims to reflect this in their survey. The team has already met with the meetNKY ambassadors, who were found to be mostly retired women, as their first focus group.
Allen plans to provide Kenton County with a scorecard or a grade, breaking it down by city for housing and social participation. She also intends to set up booths at various locations this summer, including Farmers' Markets, Senior Games, and other suggested venues by mayors.
The old age dependency ratio in Kenton County in 2020 was 26 to 100, and in the state of Kentucky, the same year, it was 30 to 100. By 2030, it is expected that the old age dependency ratio in Kenton County will be 33 older people for every 100 working people.
Five community conversations have already been held in Erlanger, Ludlow, Edgewood, Covington, and Piner, with another event scheduled at the Library in Independence. The research team received a grant from the Kenton County Fiscal Court to conduct this assessment on aging in Kenton County.
Allen's research aims to shed light on the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the aging population in Kenton County, ensuring that policies and services are tailored to meet the needs of this diverse group.
