Implications of an Aging Population on the Delivery of Public Sector Social Services

Abstract

Over the coming years, demographers report a rapid increase in the number of people over age 65, and in particular the number of persons from ethnic and racial minority groups over 65. While professionals in aging services are paying close attention to these trends and their implications, there are widespread implications that go beyond aging services. Using New York State as a case in point, this paper utilizes literature, demographics, and interviews with key informants to focus on two major trends associated with these demographic shifts: the increase in family caregiving and grandparents raising grandchildren. These trends are examined for their impact on the design and delivery of services including TANF, child welfare and adult protective services. Professionals beyond those in aging services are called upon to be aware of the impact of these aging demographics for clients in the array of public social service systems, and to meet the challenges of these demographic trends with a multigenerational and multicultural agenda.