COA Needs Assessment: Harwich Is Aging Fast

HARWICH – The town’s population is aging, driven by long-time residents and the increasing number of seasonal homeowners choosing to retire here. 

The trend is reinforced by a modest decline in the younger population over the past decade, according to a needs assessment conducted for the council on aging.

The goal of the exercise was to gather data and to shape strategic planning so the council on aging can address future needs. 

Between 2010 and 2020, the percentage of the population over 60 years of age increased from 38 to 45 percent, and it is expected to reach 51 percent by 2030. By 2040, the percentage of people 80 or older is projected to double compared to the number in 2020, according to the assessment.

The study was conducted by The Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston.

It found that financial security is the top concern of older residents, and risk of social isolation among older residents is growing. Housing maintenance, repair and downsizing are also primary needs, according to the assessment.

The assessment gathered information from first responders, council on aging staff, residents, stakeholders and a community survey that received 1,816 responses, said Caitlin Coyle, who led the assessment with Claire Wickersham, from the Gerontology Institute.   

According to the report, 42 percent of respondents have concerns about finances. Getting basic maintenance done on their homes is a major concern, according to 29 percent of the respondents. Twenty-five percent were concerned about access to dental care, and 21 percent had concerns about paying real estate taxes.

The assessment found that nearly one-third of respondents over 65 years of age have incomes under $50,000, and 11 percent earn less than $25,000, raising concerns about the cost of living outpacing fixed incomes. Many older residents continue to work or are looking for work, the assessment found.

The assessment found that 44 percent of respondents need home modifications, 35 percent need home repairs while 12 percent said they cannot afford home repairs.

Residents were asked what kind of housing they would prefer if they needed to move from their current residence. Twenty-seven percent favored a condominium or townhouse, 22 percent a smaller family home and 21 percent a 55-plus community.

Transportation is a big issue for many seniors. While 84 percent said they drive with no limitations, the other 16 percent said they drive with some limitations or do not drive. Additional medical transportation services will be necessary to meet the growing demand of the aging population, according to the assessment.

When asked about priorities for expanded services, 38 percent said wellness programs; 27 percent said information and referrals about local contractors; 25 percent said professional services; 24 percent said information and referrals about health and social services; and 19 percent said access to health insurance counseling. 

A portion of older residents are at risk of social isolation, with 31 percent stating they only get together in person monthly or less frequently. Eighty-five percent said they know someone living nearby they can rely on if they need help. 

Attendance at COA events increases with age. About 24 percent of those 60 to 69 years old attend events while 45 percent of those in the 70 to 79 range do, and 62 percent of those 80 and older take advantage of COA events. 

As for participation, 33 percent said they do not need the services offered by the COA, 19 percent said they do not know what’s offered, and 15 percent said they are busy working. Residents called for more knowledge about programs and services (31 percent) and 17 percent called for programs better suited to their interests.

Most of the respondents get their information about programs, activities and services provided by the COA through its newsletter, while 36 percent obtain that information through the newspaper.  

Responding to the presentation, Select Board member Jeffrey Handler said he was thrilled with the number of respondents.

COA Director Julie Groom said attendance at the COA has exploded since the end of the pandemic, but services have not kept pace.

Coyle said the details will be explored in greater depth with the COA and the Friends of the COA. The assessment cost $35,000 with the COA paying $9,000 and the Friends of COA covering the remaining $26,000, according to Groom.