2006 State Report > Conclusion
Conclusion: Choices
The issues and impact of the aging of our population affect everyone in our state and nation. Aging is not just an issue for mature adults; it will affect all age groups as the demographic structure of our population changes. By 2030, there will be almost as many mature adults in this state as there are young adults. All areas of society will be affected by this dramatic shift.
Citizens may have an expectation that the state and federal government will be there to meet all their demands for services associated with the aging boom. Such an expectation is misguided. Government agencies acting alone will not have the resources to address and solve all of the challenges posed by a rapid increase in our aging population. Choice will be the key for government, private organizations and the individual. Government and private organizations will need to make choices about the critical issues noted in the Opportunities and Challenges section of this report, and individuals and families will be called upon to take a greater degree of personal responsibility for their health, well-being and future long-term-care needs. For example, individuals and families should be encouraged to take personal responsibility for planning and saving for their retirement and for purchasing long term care insurance. Government may be able to assist by providing incentives, but current state and federal budgets simply will not allow for large numbers of citizens to rely completely on government programs for their retirement and long term care needs.
Another choice that South Carolina and its many communities can make that will positively influence the trend of increased in-migration is to invest resources now in creating more livable, senior friendly communities. Communities that attract affluent retirees from other parts of the nation are economic growth engines for their native citizens. The demand for aging-related services created by these new in-migrants with the resources to pay for them will help build a service infrastructure that can benefit our state's less-affluent native aging population, some of whom will be reliant on government-subsidized programs and services. Growth in demand for private pay services can provide a positive revenue stream for organizations that have traditionally relied on funding from government or charitable organizations to deliver services.
South Carolina, its citizens and communities, by working together, can reap the rewards of an older, wiser population, while successfully addressing the associated challenges of an aging society. We know that an individual's retirement years need not be synonymous with illness, frailty, or disability. In fact, tremendous progress has been made in the fight against major diseases and conditions of aging. By focusing our efforts in areas like health care, public transportation, financial security, affordable housing, long term care, and economic development, the aging of our state can be an experience that enriches the lives of all South Carolinians. In order for that to happen, government agencies, non-profit service organizations, the private sector and all of South Carolina's citizens will need to work together to make the necessary choices that maximize the opportunities and take on the challenges that the aging of our population present. Our state is in a strong position to prosper and provide a welcoming environment for our new aging population over the next two decades. Realizing this potential will depend upon cooperation and proper planning with a strong emphasis on evidence-based decision making.