Missouri, also known as “The Show Me State” is the 21st largest state in the U.S. and has a population of over six million people. Of those six million, more than two million are over the age of 50. Because of this high percentage, the median age in Missouri is close to 40, meaning about half of the population is younger than 40 and the other half is older than 40.
These numbers are very similar to the United States as a whole, so Missouri is a good representation of the entire country. With an aging population, it’s important to take a look at all of the things affecting senior citizens (those aged 65 and older) and also those between the ages of 50 and 64.
Workforce, Income, and Poverty
Close to 40% of Missourians over the age of 55 are still a part of the workforce, and this figure is about the same for the entire country. Although senior citizen age is considered to be 65, many 65-year-olds in Missouri and the entire U.S. are still working. There are many reasons that people aren’t retiring at 65, but one of the main reasons is that 65 is no longer considered retirement age— instead it’s 67.
Another reason is that the average SSI (social security income) in Missouri is about $10,000, the average retirement income is about $24,000, while the average household income for those over the age of 65 is $40,783. It’s much more sustainable for the majority of Missouri seniors to continue working, rather than to retire. Less than 50% (45.8%, to be exact) of those over the age of 60 even receive retirement income in Missouri.
Living Arrangements and Options
When it comes to health, unfortunately, Missouri ranks number 34 out 50 when it comes to the healthiest states. Of course, this isn’t representative of all residents of Missouri, but it does indicate that many seniors may have health conditions that prohibit them from safely and comfortably aging in place. This means that instead of living independently in their own homes, they have to move into an assisted living facility or with family members.
Nursing Homes
The most well-known type of assisted living facility is a nursing home, where residents receive round-the-clock skilled medical care. As of 2019, Missouri had over 37,000 nursing home residents. Unfortunately, nursing home residents all over the country have experienced abuse— in fact, more than 25% of Missouri nursing home residents have been abused by being given unnecessary drugs to sedate them. This is very unfortunate because nursing home residents require the most care— and they’re usually the most expensive assisted living facilities.
Other Assisted Living
Retirement homes and communities are another type of assisted living facility that provide some assistance for their residents, or none at all. There are even facilities that allow their residents to receive specialized care once their needs change— if at all. They start off by living independently and then receive assistance with various daily activities as they age or if they have major surgery or develop a medical issue. Depending on the type of facility, costs can range anywhere from $13,140 a year to $81,360 a year.
Other Living Arrangements
A much more affordable living option for seniors needing assistance is to move in with their family, whether it’s their children or their grandchildren. This arrangement can be beneficial for the entire family, but it can also put some stress on the ones caring for the seniors. Fortunately, there are resources available to help take the stress off of caregivers, such as adult day care centers and respite care. Adult day care centers are similar to childcare centers, while respite care is 24/7 care for weeks or months at a time.
Overall, aging in place is the most preferred option among the majority of seniors and the best for their mental and physical well-being— as long as they’re able to do so safely and comfortably. This means that their home is safe and free of falling hazards, and that they have a community of people (whether family, friends, or neighbors) willing to routinely check in on them.
Income and living arrangements are just two concerns facing the senior population, but they are two of the most pressing issues— especially since the senior population is continuing to grow with people living longer. Understanding these two topics about the state of Missouri can also give insight into the United States as a whole.