As our country ages, the U.S. will see an increase in the population of adults who are over the age of 60. By the year 2020, the number of baby boomers is projected to be 76 million individuals, and will comprise the largest group of older adults in our nation’s history (Takamura, 1999). In addition, the fastest growing segment of our society is the population of individuals who are age 85 and older, which is also the cohort most likely to develop a disability or chronic health concern (Goins and Hobbs, 2001). By the year 2030 there will be 150 million people in America who have at least one chronic health condition, which may require long-term care services (Goins and Hobbs, 2001).
    How can we best plan for the future of the older adults in this country? We need to consider three areas. First is the growing demand for aging services. Second is the availability of home and community-based services. Third is the importance of informal supports.
    As people grow older, there is a greater likelihood they will need assistance with activities of daily living, such as eating or bathing. As people age there is the desire, for most, to age-in-place. Since the cost for in-home and community-based care is typically less expensive than placement in a long-term care facility such as a nursing home (Goins and Hobbs, 2001), the goal of many aging service programs is to maintain older adults in the community for as long as possible.
    The challenge of maintaining funding for home and community-based services has impacted aging services at many levels. The federal, state, and local governments are faced with the issue of the potential strain placed on the current level of available resources as the boom in aging continues. The area agencies on aging have developed strategies to provide services to as many older adults as possible with the same amount or less funding. Creatively reducing programming and administrative costs, in addition to finding alternate funding sources, has become the cornerstone of many local agencies.
    The amount and variety of formal supports, such as nursing care and home health services, are valuable and necessary for many older adults. There are many seniors; however, who rely on assistance from their family, friends, and neighbors. Transportation and meals are two of the most common forms of help older adults need as they grow older. Seniors may arrange to have a relative transport them for groceries, doctor’s appointments, and church to name a few. Limited mobility and restricted vision, although not serious enough to require long-term care placement, may prohibit older adults from safely preparing meals. When formal services are unavailable, informal supports may become very important in supporting the nutritional needs of the older adult as well as maintaining their independence.    
    Awareness and increased support for formal and informal support systems are crucial to the well-being of our country’s older adult population. The future of aging is upon us.