In many ways, COVID-19 changed us, and some of the effects may last for years. Other concerns like climate change will dominate our conversations as our society looks for solutions.
Here are five trends that will define 2021 and beyond.
OLDER ADULTS WILL OUTNUMBER CHILDREN
The older adult population is growing, and a study released by the U.S. Census Bureau two years ago found that by 2030, one in five residents will be at retirement age. By 2034, in fact, the older population will outnumber children under 18.
That means that the community must be committed to developing solutions for everything from independent and assisted living options to additional technology support — in order to make life easier for older adults.
As part of this effort, The Associated launched AgeWell Baltimore, a one-stop resource to help older adults live safe, healthy and meaningful lives. A collaboration between The Associated and its agencies, CHAI, CHANA and Jewish Community Services, AgeWell Baltimore will offer older adults and their caregivers resources that support independence and promote healthy aging.
Funded by the Russel family, AgeWell Baltimore includes an easy-to-navigate website featuring health and wellness resources and support services as well as volunteer and social opportunities. An AgeWell Specialist will help older adults connect to whatever they need.
MENTAL HEALTH MUST BE ADDRESSED
Since the start of COVID-19, the world has seen an increase in the number of people struggling with their mental health. According to the Pew Research Center, roughly three out of every 14 U.S. adults are experiencing high levels of emotional distress since the pandemic, further demonstrated by increases in depression, substance abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and re-entry anxiety.
With the demand for mental health services far exceeding the availability of providers, the future depends on continued access and flexibility in how care is delivered as well as the way society approaches mental health as a whole. COVID-19 has illustrated that ensuring better health outcomes requires greater focus on mental wellness, prevention, attention to environmental factors and health inequities and integration of mental and physical health care. In addition, communities must reduce barriers in accessing much-needed clinical treatment for mental health conditions.
The Associated’s Jewish Community Services (JCS) is responding to these trends by building new prevention education and community programs. Topics include a focus on re-entry anxiety and the challenges faced by individuals and families struggling with substance use disorders. Similarly, by rapidly initiating telehealth to safely provide needed services without interruption, JCS responded to the growing demand for access and flexibility in delivering mental health services. In tandem, JCS applied for a grant to provide technology to clients who would benefit from continuing telehealth post-pandemic and is monitoring telehealth regulations closely to inform implementation. This hybrid model of telehealth and in-person visits is designed to eliminate access barriers in mental health care, delivering services via video or in-person, as per clients’ unique needs.
