Study: Brewster’s Senior Population On The Upswing

BREWSTER –We’re all getting older at the same rate. Nonetheless, some towns are ahead of the curve, and Brewster is one of them.

In 2020, 47 percent of Brewster residents were over age 60. Not only are they more familiar with Tom Swift than Taylor Swift, but they have needs Brewster will have to meet over the next decade.

“There are three generations in that (over 60) age group,” noted Dr. Caitlyn Coyle of University of Massachusetts of Boston Gerontology Institute. “Sixty-plus is a huge age bracket.”

The over-60 demographic was up from 39 percent in 2010 and it is anticipated 58 percent of residents will be over age 60 by 2030.

And the needs of Brewster elders shift as they get older.

The council on aging commissioned a study by the Institute, conducted by Coyle and her colleague Beth Rouleau. They surveyed 1,390 Brewster residents, held three forums and did other outreach to collect data, which they presented to the select board Monday night.

The goal was to plan for the needs of Brewster’s elder population and to see what those residents desired.

“We need to take this data with us as we look to make decisions, small ones to big ones like the community center,” Select Board member Mary Chaffee said.

“It’s a great first step toward understanding the needs of our community,” Select Board member Kari Hoffmann noted. “We do a tremendous job but it is getting the word out there.”

In contrast to a rising number of seniors, the youthful demographics of Brewster are in decline. In 2020, 35 percent of the population was under age 45, and that could drop to 30 percent by 2030. That could lead to a shortage of workers to support the older population. Ten percent of Brewster is over age 80.

The town also has a lot of turnover, with a quarter of residents living here for less than 10 years.

While close to 70 percent of Brewster seniors hope to remain in town, many are worried they won’t be able to stay. The reasons for concern range from lack of housing affordability and taxes, lack of amenities such as large grocery stores or shopping areas, distance to medical care, lack of transportation alternatives and the need to maintain independence and health.

“By and large people are looking for smaller single-family homes and condominiums,” Coyle said. “They had some interest in accessory dwelling units.”

But that option was less popular, with worries about the cost of construction and zoning rules.

“The number three concern was transportation,” Coyle noted, with over 20 percent of seniors limiting their driving and some not driving at all. The percentage of non-drivers rises to 14 percent at age 80. Coyle found there was a greater risk of isolation as residents aged.

Over half of residents aged 50 to 60 have had to provide care for someone who is older, and almost 80 percent of those found it very challenging. A majority of those caregivers felt there were not adequate resources available.

Many seniors needed help with snow removal, yard work, home repairs, technology or cleaning.

The council on aging is a valuable resource. As residents age they’re more likely to take advantage of the COA. At age 50 around 15 percent use it; that rises to just above 30 percent for those 60 to 69 and use peaks at 50 percent at age 80.

However, 61 percent of survey respondents never used the COA. Reasons for not participating include still working, unaware of activities, participating in programs elsewhere, not interested and don’t have the time.

“People thought they didn’t need it or were not old enough,” Coyle said. “The senior center is not need-based, but there is a perception out there that you have to have a need to go.”

The researchers surveyed seniors to see what programs they’d like to see at the COA. Outdoor exercise was the most popular wish, followed by wellness programs, indoor exercise, social activities such as games or parties, art classes, concerts, learning programs and classes.

Overall, respondents would most like to see from the COA more transportation, health and wellness programs, professional services (tax help, legal) and information about local services and agencies.

There was interest in a multigenerational community center in town, preferably in one building. The town has long considered building a community center, possibly at the Sea Camp property, and prior to that purchase at the Eddy School.

The most popular activities favored by seniors at the Sea Camp were passive recreation (hiking, birdwatching etc. at 66 percent), concerts, films entertainment (64 percent) and active recreation such as swimming, tennis (63 percent).

The study recommends the town build awareness of the council on aging through outreach such as an ambassador program, new member day, engaging a broader range of residents, and reaching out to those who are unable to leave their homes. They also recommend the town address transportation with better information about options and expanding volunteer programs.

There is also a need to improve financial security and housing issues at the town level. The risk of social isolation for seniors in Brewster is high.

The final report will be delivered to the council on aging next week.