BUDGET RECOMMENDATION 20220309-04Cii: QUALITY OF LIFE STUDY OF OLDER ADULTS IN AUSTIN — original pdf

Recommendation

COMMISSION ON SENIORS BUDGET RECOMMENDATION 20220309-04Cii QUALITY OF LIFE STUDY OF OLDER ADULTS IN AUSTIN Strategic Direction: Government That Works Seconded By: Temperley Date: March 9, 2022 Subject: FY23 Budget Recommendation Motioned By: Varteressian Recommendation Fund a Quality of Life Study of Older Adults in Austin. Description of Recommendation to Council In order to improve the quality of life for older adults, Austin must better understand the experience of these individuals and how intersections between age, race, ethnicity, and other demographics impact those experiences. The Commission on Seniors recommends allocating $250,000 to conduct a study to evaluate the quality of life of older adults in Austin. $250,000 is the amount allocated for two recent Quality of Life Studies (People with Disabilities and LGBTQIA) Rationale: There has never been a proper quality of life study of older adults. Nearly 10 years ago then Mayor Leffingwell’s task force conducted a survey as part of the Mayor’s Task Force on Aging. However, 77% of respondents were white and this survey did not break down findings by race, ethnicity, or gender identification. According to the 2010 Census the Austin area is one of the fastest-growing areas for both seniors (age 65 and older) and pre-seniors (age 55-64). The city demographer has not yet released detailed demographics on age from the 2020 Census, but it is expected these trends will continue. The Commission is well aware that we hear primarily from older adults who are already active and engaged in the community. We want to know what other members of the community need; indeed, we want to understand how to better engage will all segments of the community. As an example, the Commission drafts and widely distributes an annual budget survey as a tool to get community input on budget recommendations. However, the majority of survey respondents are white women aged 65-74. The Commission is seeking updated information about the community and granular information about the needs of diverse populations of older adults. A Quality of Life Study will enable the Commission, Council and City departments to: 1 of 2 • Understand how city programs and services are serving older adults and where there are gaps • Identify and remove barriers to participation • Ensure programs and services for older adults are equitable and inclusive Per Austin Code Section 2-1-132 the Commission on Seniors shall serves as an advisory board to the council concerning the quality of life for senior citizens in the Austin area and to help ensure older adults are productive, independent, and healthy. To fulfill this mission the Commission needs current information on the needs and experiences of older adults in Austin, as described above. Further, the city must provide an updated assessment, including data, to renew its Age Friendly City designation in a few years. Vote For: Briesemeister, Varteressian, Angel, Bauman, Bordie, De Maria Nicola, Garcia-Pittman, Kareithi, Lopez-Guerrero, Lugo, Spain, Temperley, Van Sickle Against: None Abstain: None Absent: Cagle Attest: Janee Briesemeister, Chair 2 of 2