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Next50 Foundation Report: Urgent Solutions Needed for Aging Adults in Colorado

The latest report from Next50 Foundation, titled "Aging at Altitude," casts a critical light on the challenges confronting older adults in Colorado. As costs associated with housing, caregiving, transportation, and digital access continue to rise beyond the scope of income, many older residents – especially those in rural communities and marginalized groups – find it increasingly difficult to cover basic necessities. The report is a clarion call for immediate action to tackle these growing disparities and establish equitable conditions for aging individuals statewide.

The Current Landscape of Aging in Colorado

Colorado is experiencing a demographic shift, with more residents aged 60 and over than children under 18. This shift underscores the urgency of addressing the financial strains faced by this growing population. According to Next50 President and CEO Peter Kaldes, the situation is dire, stating, "It's too expensive to age in Colorado and that needs to change." He emphasizes the foundation's commitment to ensuring all individuals can age with dignity, security, and access to resources.

Key Insights from the Report

The report outlines several alarming key findings:

1. Rising Costs: Older adults are currently under significant financial pressure, with costs such as housing, caregiving, and transportation increasing at a rate that greatly outstrips their income. Nearly 14% of older Coloradans live below the poverty line, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.

2. Rural and Racial Inequities: The report indicates that older adults residing in rural areas and communities of color are disproportionately affected by financial challenges. These groups face limited access to affordable resources and services designed to support aging populations.

3. Housing Instability: The average cost of housing in Colorado is 20% higher than the national average. Many older residents struggle to find and maintain affordable housing that meets their evolving needs, resulting in increased stress and uncertainty.

The Call to Action

Given the rising challenges, the report stresses the need for coordinated efforts from government entities, nonprofit organizations, and local communities. The goals are to tackle disparities in aging support and enhance economic equity. The report implores policymakers and community leaders to prioritize solutions to make aging with dignity an attainable reality for all residents.

Next50 Foundation has taken proactive steps by allocating initial funds to launch Leverage, an advocacy organization dedicated to tackling systemic issues related to affordable aging. By uniting policymakers and community leaders, Leverage aims to effect meaningful change, thereby making aging in Colorado more affordable and secure.

Why It Matters

As the demographic landscape in Colorado evolves, the challenges endured by older adults necessitate immediate and sustained attention. The insights from the "Aging at Altitude" report serve as a stark reminder of the barriers to aging with dignity and the disproportionate impact faced by rural communities and people of color.

Next50 Foundation's commitment to advancing solutions manifests in its support for innovative and equitable programs. These initiatives focus on combating age-related bias, promoting digital equity, and ensuring that aging individuals can remain in their preferred communities.

For those interested in further exploring the full report and its comprehensive findings, visit Next50 Foundation. By being informed and engaged, we can collectively dedicate ourselves to creating a future where aging is not only respected but celebrated across all demographics in Colorado.