New Panel to Study Issues Affecting Caregiving

The segment of Alabama’s population 65 and older is projected to grow by more than 80 percent over the next 25 years. Every county in the state—including those facing attrition in overall population—will gain older residents, according to the University of Alabama’s Center for Business and Economic Research.

Who will care for Alabamians as they age? Today, the task falls heavily on an estimated 761,000 family caregivers in the state, many of whom are boomers. As the population ages, however, the ratio of potential caregivers to those in need of care will decline.

Earlier this year, AARP successfully urged state legislators to establish a committee to study caregiving issues and then won a seat on that panel. AARP will use its voice on caregiving policy to ease the burden on family caregivers and to enhance budgets for services that help Alabamians continue to live at home as they age. For details, go to aarp.org/al.