HEALTH OF OLDER ADULTS |
Indicator 37 |
Currently in Marathon County, 17.1% of the population is over the age of 65, which continues to trend upward. People over age 65 experience a large burden of chronic conditions and disabilities.
People with an independent living difficulty encounter challenges performing instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs) due to a physical, mental, or emotional condition. Examples of IADLs include grocery shopping or visiting a doctor's office alone. Older adults may have more difficulty accessing food or health services due to inability to drive or navigate public transportation, physical limitations (walking, reaching, lifting, etc.), and financial limitations. Without assistance, older people with an independent living difficulty may not be able to successfully perform daily activities and can experience a decline in quality of life.
People over age 65 who live alone may be at risk for social isolation, limited access to support, or inadequate assistance in emergency situations. Living alone should not be equated with being lonely or isolated, but many older people who live alone are vulnerable due to social isolation, poverty, disabilities, lack of access to care, or inadequate housing.