This section provides demographics and research data about Broome County's older population. It is our hope that the information here will help in planning services and programs that will improve the quality of life for our older adults, their families, friends and those who care for them.

Data On Seniors In Broome County Presentation [ pdf ] [ ppt ]

Senior Transportation and Mobility Report, Spring 2007 [ pdf ]

This report is a compilation of findings from and about Broome County's older population. The data draws from surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews conducted with seniors and their caregivers, as well as population data and projections. Research presented in this report occurred between August 2002 and September 2003.

The report supports organizational and community planning. It includes an elaboration on aging demographics and trends. The "Issues" section elaborates on the seven priority concerns identified through a process of community analysis and prioritization.

Aging Futures Findings Report 2003 (pdf, 870k)

Through the community planning process funded by the Community Partnerships For Older Adults, a national grant program of The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, older adults and service providers in Broome County identified ten priority concerns that affect seniors ability to remain independent. (See Executive Summary). The plan represents the community's response to these ten issues. The goals and objectives outlined are the shared vision of consumers and service providers who worked in concert to produce this plan. While Aging Futures is funding and undertaking three initiatives during the first year, it is hoped that organizations and community leaders will respond to other issues.

Aging Futures Strategic Plan - January 2004 (pdf, 152k)

This study sought to identify what spouses and children of dependent seniors, providers of home care to seniors, and institutional discharge planners believe to be the benefits and costs of a senior remaining at home or entering a facility; what the individual and/or family can do to influence the exercise of those options, and what services or facilities are needed to support the exercise of those options. Four ninety-minute focus groups were convened during mid to late November 2002 with: (1) spouses who were caregivers, 2) children who were caregivers, 3) aides who provided care either at home and/or in a facility, and 4) institutional discharge planners. The report identifies eight issues that need to be addressed to improve the quality of life as a growing number of seniors live out their golden years.

Focus Group Report: November 18 - 26, 2003 (pdf, 242k)

This study sought to learn what factors are important to the ability of an older, frail individual to return home after a nursing home stay or to remain living at home. The most essential element was the individual's desire and determination to live at home in spite of what appear to be insurmountable odds. Even when a care receiver is determined to live at home, this may not be enough to accomplish this goal. A caregiver/advocate must share this commitment to live at home or return to home. An individual without a caregiver, but who has good cognition including insight about their condition, improve the likelihood of returning home. The report discusses factors that improve the likelihood of a senior being able to remain independent.

Qualitative Interviews of 41 Older Persons: January - February, 2003 (pdf, 93k)

The forum was a part of an 18-month community planning process undertaken to identify and address issues impacting local seniors. The forum was attended by 110 participants and included numerous presentations, including keynote remarks offered by John Capitman, Ph.D., Director of Long-Term Care Studies at the Schneider Institute of Health Policy, Heller School of Social Policy and Management, Brandeis University, who spoke about the Five Dimensions of Consumer Experience. The report includes summaries of census and demographic information, qualitative research, and a phone survey conducted with Broome County Older adults by Mathematica Policy Research, Inc. The report concludes with a list of 30 issues identified during small group discussions taking place at the Forum and a prioritized list of nine critical issue areas of concern to Broome County Seniors.

Community Data Forum Report 2003 (pdf, 37k)

The forum occurred at the end of an 18-month community planning process intended to move the community forward in developing the Aging Futures Strategic Plan - January 2004. This forum included six roundtable discussions on area of concern to seniors, including home modification, housing, transportation, mental health, financial and legal planning and wellness. This report highlights the recommendations of roundtable discussions, priorities identified and recommendations for action.

Community Planning Forum Report 2003 (pdf, 42k)

There are 41,542 people age 60 and older residing in Broome County according to 2000 US Census figures. The elderly population represents 20.7% of the total population of Broome County.

In New York State, those age 60 and older make up 16.9% of the total population. Broome County's population concentration of elders ranks 6th among the 63 counties of the state, including New York City.

[ Full Report (html) ] [ Full Report (pdf) ]

Source: A Profile of Broome County's Older Population, Broome County Office for Aging, 10/2003