Aging in Central Texas: Are We Prepared?
The population of ages 65+ in the Austin/Round Rock metro area is expected to grow by 18% by year 2040. According to the AARP, 90% of older adults want to age in place. Can we make this happen? All of us deserve to live independently, safely, and engaged. But it will take work.
- 24% of seniors have incomes below the poverty threshold, have health and wellness challenges, including loneliness and depression and access to adequate medical care.
- 74% of older adults believe they will be forced out of living in Central Texas due to lack of affordable housing.
- 48% are concerned about running out of money.
Since all MBC members are or will be aging, and all have family and friends who are or will be, aging is of interest to us all. How can we help?
- Become aware of ageism.
- Address racial and ethnic disparities
- Improve access to medical care
- Promote aging-friendly communities
- And more
About our speakers:
Patti Tauber served as President of the Board of Directors at AGE of Central Texas for 2020, and now serves as a general board member. Patti works as a realtor at Dochen Realtors. As a longtime resident of the Austin area, her personal knowledge and experience is a great advantage for her clients. She specializes in working with clients in the North Austin communities and helping adults 50+ in downsizing to new homes.
Patti has a Master’s degree in Social Work from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan along with a certificate in Gerontology. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Arts and Sciences from Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan. Patti practiced Geriatric Social Work for 10 years in Michigan. Patti has always given back to the community and is an involved volunteer at Impact Austin and the National Council of Jewish Women.
Patti lives in Austin with her husband Kevin and together they have four grown children living in destinations across the U.S. (Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, and Florida). At home, they enjoy living with their two dogs, Henry and GumBeau, and their wonderful cat, Q-Ball.
Suzanne Anderson is Executive Director of AGE of Central Texas. She joined the team in November 2018, bringing a knowledge of non-profit management to the movement.
In her previous career with Special Olympics Texas spanning 26 years, Anderson supervised all aspects of competition and games, training, outreach and families, volunteers and statewide field operations. Under her leadership, Special Olympics Texas served more athletes than ever before with a strategic growth plan for continued outreach and support of people with intellectual disabilities and closely related developmental disabilities. In addition, Anderson has led the way for a Global Partnership with Mexico, including support of trainings and lending her expertise.
More recently, Anderson served as the Interim CEO of Special Olympics Texas, handling all aspects of organizational strategy and growth, working hand in hand with the Board of Directors to strengthen organizational performance.
Anderson holds both a B.A. and M.A. from Trinity University in the field of psychology. Her hobbies include soccer, cycling, hiking, and anything that has to do with the outdoors.
