Austin, Texas has long been known for its nightlife, many restaurants, festivals, and great music scene more than probably anything else. The young vibe of the residents is reflected in its one of a kind shopping, world class museums, and gorgeous outdoor parks.
There’s a liveliness to the city that is second to none. But what few people know is that the residents of Austin and the surrounding areas are beginning to show their age. The median age is climbing, and health care facilities and senior living centers are popping up to meet the growing demand.
Why Austin?
Many aging people take a lot of things into consideration before they make their final move, and two of those considerations are money and weather. Selling a home in California or New York can mean people are able to buy outright in a place like Austin where home prices are lower.
Austin is also a good spot for those who have no desire to shovel snow. Some retirees find themselves moving to be closer to their children and grandchildren and they eventually need to go into assisted living where they are located and can be visited by family members in the area.
An Aging Population Increases
It is estimated that by the year 2050, Americans over the age of 65 will double to a whopping 81.7 million. This specific demographic will increase by 21 percent, up from 15 percent as this generation gets older and more people age into it. Currently, over 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 years old each day. That figure alone is staggering.
In Austin, the population of people 55 years and older is over 158,000 people, which makes up 17 percent of the residents. Over 387,000 more people in this age category live outside of Austin making up another 20 percent of the overall population in this region.
Assisted Living is No Longer Looked Down Upon
In years past, there was often a stigma related to assisted living. It meant that a person could no longer take care of themselves.
But what some assisted living facilities are now seeing is older people moving in and getting settled before they actually need to be there. Husbands and wives are moving in together to spend their final years together without having one need to move into a facility while leaving the other behind. Couples that have held traditional roles are then able to spend more time together as they no longer work and can have others cook and clean for them. In many ways, it’s a win/win for the couple.
There are also aging facilities that start with unassisted living but residents can easily move into assisted living in the same facility. Many aging facilities offer a wide range of amenities, such as hair care professionals, walking paths, game rooms, fitness centers, libraries, swimming pools, and gardens that the residents are able to make use of during their time living there.
