Local groups support growing senior population From the cover
Put into perspective
The big picture
San Antonio increased by 1.3 percentage points, 5.1 percentage points in Hill Country Village and 3.7 percentage points in Shavano Park, while Holly- wood Park’s total senior population decreased by 14.8 percentage points. The BAAA plan states that senior population growth will lead to a greater program investments.
An estimated 197,000 individuals age 65 and older will live in Bexar County by 2025. By 2035, the number is expected to increase to 316,000 —or 16.4%—which is a 60% increase over a 10-year period, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Between 2017 and 2022, Census data shows that the population of people age 60 and older within
The Bexar Area Agency on Aging is a branch of the Alamo Area Council of Governments. It connects to a nationwide network with local nonprofit organizations and city officials to address the needs of those age 60 and older. The area plan states that the BAAA strives to enhance the quality of life and well- being of older adults in Bexar County by developing a plan that promotes healthy aging, social connectivity and economic security through innovative programs. Yolanda Perez, the San Antonio human services administrator for the Senior Services Division and a Bexar Senior Advisory Council member, said BAAA acts as an umbrella organization that provides a variety of resources to the community. Perez said the city of San Antonio is the largest meal provider in the state of Texas for congregate—or community-based—meal programs.
Percentage of total population that are seniors
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50%
San Antonio
Hill County Village
Hollywood Park
Shavano Park
SOURCE: US CENSUS BUREAU/COMMUNITY IMPACT
How it works
In 2023, the Bexar area of AACOG:
Answered 36,978 calls
Additionally, AACOG utilizes a help line known as the Alamo Service Connection, which directs individuals to a repository of partners. “A person that calls into our Alamo Service Connection never goes away with a ‘no,’” Juarez said. Perez said that the Alamo Service Connection allows senior services access to a wider range of organizations. “They serve as a call line for us whenever we need specific services that the city of San Antonio doesn’t provide,” Perez said.
Alamo Area Agency on Aging Manager Mike Juarez said San Antonio has more people age 60 and older than all 12 of the surrounding counties combined. To assist with allocating resources, the Bexar Senior Advisory Council provides information and data to AACOG. When a new need is identified, the committee votes on whether or not it should be added to the plan. If approved, it becomes a requirement under the plan, which allows AACOG to go to the Department of Health & Human Services for funding.
Organized 200 outreach events
Served 2,348 clients
Served 860,381 meals
Funded $7.13 million in nutritional funding and direct services
SOURCE: ALAMO AREA COUNCIL OF GOVERNMENTS/COMMUNITY IMPACT
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