About Civic Engagement and Older Adults
The Senior Civic Engagement Initiative seeks to develop a greater understanding of the benefits of healthy and active aging through civic engagement for Ohio's older adults. The initiative focuses on the areas of senior employment, volunteering and lifelong learning. The goals of the initiative include:
- Ensuring that Ohio's workforce includes older workers with new or updated skill sets;
- Actively engaging older adults with diverse skills in volunteer service throughout Ohio;
- Providing educational opportunities that both enrich the lives of older adults and offer opportunities for career growth.
Studies have shown that engaging older adults in healthy and active aging opportunities reduces their personal healthcare expenditures and improves their overall health. Healthy individuals need less health care and ultimately place less of a burden on the health care system, including Medicaid expenditures for long-term care.
Older Ohioans are becoming a larger part of the available skilled workforce. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the state's working-age population will grow by only 224,000 from 2005 to 2015, while the population of those age 55 and older will grow by 552,000. Virtually all of the growth in the working age population during that period will be generated by people age 55 and older. Similarly, as the state facilitates opportunities in volunteerism and continuing education for its mature citizens, it can ultimately enhance the lives of all Ohioans.
Related Information
Employment & Training - Many older Ohioans are choosing to remain in or return to the workforce beyond retirement age. The Department of Aging and the aging network proudly supports older workers.
Volunteer Opportunities - Each year, older Ohioans give more than 350,000 hours of their time to help people of all ages. The Department of Aging, along with national, state and local partners, provide several unique opportunities for older Ohioans to volunteer.
Lifelong Learning - Studies have shown that mental stimulation is crucial to physical and psychological well-being. The aging network promotes several national, state and regional programs that help older Ohioans continue learning in unique and rewarding ways.
