Aging Population Surge in Hanover: Town Faces New Challenges
Study reveals 31% of residents will be 60 or older by 2030, straining services
HANOVER - December 16 - A recent study reveals Hanover is facing a significant demographic shift, with 31% of its population projected to be 60 or older by 2030, up from 24% in 2020. This surge in the aging population presents challenges for housing, transportation, and social services, requiring proactive planning from town officials.
The study, results available here, conducted by the UMass Boston Gerontology Institute, surveyed 1,442 Hanover residents aged 55 and older. It found that while many older adults wish to remain in Hanover as they age, they face obstacles related to housing costs, transportation, and access to services.
"Financial security is crucial, and it's not just true here in Hanover. This is an issue that's facing older residents all across our country," said Caitlin Coyle, who directed the study UMass Boston Gerontology Institute.
The study revealed that 13% of respondents, approximately 170 individuals, do not believe they have adequate resources to meet their basic financial needs. Among this group, 32% reported concerns about food security in the past year.
Housing emerged as a significant concern, with 89% of survey respondents owning their homes. However, 35% reported needing home repairs in the next five years, with 13% unable to afford these necessary improvements.
"People who are 65-plus are living on fewer means than people 45 to 64, where 86% are making $100,000 or more," Coyle noted.
Transportation also poses challenges for older residents. The study found that 20% of respondents in their 70s and 45% in their 80s either limit their driving or do not drive at all. This limitation affects access to medical care, with 30% of non-drivers reporting they had to miss or reschedule a medical appointment in the last year due to transportation issues.
"For people who don't drive, the existing transportation in Hanover is either inaccessible or inconvenient, and it also might be inaccessible because of a physical impairment," Coyle explained.
The study also highlighted the need for improved communication about available services. Half of the respondents in their 50s and 60s reported not knowing who to contact in Hanover for help accessing social services or other municipal services.
Caregiving emerged as a significant issue, with about half of respondents in their 50s and 60s reporting they have provided care to someone frail or disabled in recent years. These caregivers expressed a need for more support, including in-home caregiver assistance and respite care.
The Hanover Council on Aging (COA) faces increased demand for its services as the population ages. The study found that 45% of respondents in their 70s and 59% in their 80s have used COA services, with transportation to medical appointments being the most requested service across all age groups.
Les Molyneaux, Chair of the COA Advisory Board, emphasized the timeliness of the report. "Throughout the town, we're considering how expenses are going up for everybody, for the town itself, and it's important that we not forget the 27% of people in town who are senior citizens, nor should we forget that that population is growing percentage-wise," Molyneaux said.
The study recommends several actions for the town, including expanding property tax relief programs, improving transportation options, increasing awareness of available services, and developing more support for caregivers.