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Governor Rendell Says '2020 Vision Report' Outlines Challenges Facing State Government As Pennsylvania's Population Ages

Posted on: Thursday, 26 June 2008, 12:03 CDT

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today announced the release of the Pennsylvania 2020 Vision Report, a blueprint outlining how the state can prepare to address a growing population of older adults.

"Pennsylvania already has the third-highest percentage of older adults and, by 2020, one in four state residents will be 60 or older - a situation that will create new opportunities and new challenges," Governor Rendell said. "That's why I authorized this important study to help ensure that state government is ready to serve a growing number of older adults."

The 2020 Vision Report, developed by the state Department of Aging with the input of numerous state agencies, evaluates the projected impact of aging Baby Boomers in four main areas: workforce and education; health care and wellness; housing and transportation; and energy and environment. It also assesses the effect on state government of population trends across the age spectrum.

"This report creates a strategy for the anticipated dramatic growth of the older population, as well as identifying new programs to help meet the future challenges Pennsylvania faces as a result of its changing demographics," said Nora Dowd Eisenhower, secretary of Aging. "By planning ahead, we can ensure that Pennsylvania continues to provide a supportive environment for older adults to live, work and enjoy their later years."

The report indicates that Pennsylvania is preparing for the future in a number of ways: by expanding energy production and technology sectors to create over 35,000 jobs; an average of $946 million will be spent per year over the next decade on mass transit and road and bridge projects; new educational and training programs will be created in economic high-risk areas; English language classes will be enhanced; nutritious meals will be delivered to seniors' homes, vouchers for fresh produce will be available; and long-term living options will facilitate the ability of seniors and other people with disabilities to choose where they receive services.

In addition, the report provides examples of current and planned initiatives in other nations to address similar demographic shifts. The 2020 Vision Report is available online at http://www.aging.state.pa.us/.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing economic investment to support our communities and businesses. To find out more about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter, visit http://www.governor.state.pa.us/.

CONTACT: Gary Miller 717-783-1116 Jane Crawford, Aging 717-783-1549

Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

CONTACT: Gary Miller of Pennsylvania Office of the Governor,+1-717-783-1116; or Jane Crawford, Aging, +1-717-783-1549

Web Site: http://www.aging.state.pa.us/http://www.governor.state.pa.us/

Source: PRNewswire-USNewswire

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