Possibly no single topic more often is the focus
of discussion among professionals, investors, families and
individuals than the economy. Monthly reports from Federal,
state and local agencies paint a picture of the financial health of
our nation. Among the elderly, the economy has become a
hotbed of discussion among legislators who struggle to keep the
Social Security System alive as the “baby boomers” come
of retirement age. Living on a fixed income can prove to be a
challenge for a family as the costs for everything continue to
rise. Income, housing costs, and the annual cost of living
increases can have profound effects upon the quality of life
experienced during our retirement years.
Sixteen indicators examine issues related to the
economy and its influence upon the elderly. Follow the links
that appear in the grey panel to the right of your screen. These
will lead you to the pages of Dallas Indicators that address these
specific issues.
Housing costs and
conditions
The dream of many Americans is to own their own
home. During the peak years of their professional lives, they
struggle to pay off mortgages in order that their retirement years
arrive with no financial obligations for their primary
residence. Yet with the inevitable changes of aging,
lifestyle changes follow. Housing needs change as do affordability
of utilities, tax liabilities and one’s ability to care for a
home. Many find that their dream home has become too large to
easily care for. Issues of mobility and independence can
effectively limit the quality of life for the elderly. Many seek
smaller homes or will choose to rent and eliminate the
responsibilities of ownership.
However, the changing needs can be complicated by
the existing housing market. Escalating real estate prices
may make it difficult to find affordable housing that is comparable
to the quality they had with their existing home. Ten
indicators examine some of the issues related to the housing for
the elderly. Follow the links that appear in the grey panel to the
right of your screen. These will lead you to the pages of Dallas
Indicators that address these specific issues.
- Home ownership
- Affordability of home ownership
- Rates
- Demand for affordable housing
- Housing cost burden
- Senior housing
- Unhealthful Conditions
- Fair housing violations
Homelessness
Homelessness is not a condition exclusively found
among the downtrodden, mentally ill or transient population.
Economic and social conditions can be significant factors leading
to homelessness. Among the elderly, many of whom live on
fixed, modest incomes, this has the potential to significantly
influence their way of life.
Two indicators examine some of the issues related
to homelessness in the Greater Dallas PMSA. Follow the links
that appear in the grey panel to the right of your screen. These
will lead you to the pages of Dallas Indicators that address these
specific issues.
- Population
characteristics
- Requested services and
resources
Maintaining a
comfortable lifestyle
Retirement is a time of great
changes. Careers end, income levels take dramatic drops,
family structures change and the spending patterns are adjusted to
meet the needs of the elderly. Adjustments in the cost of
living, a fluctuating investment environment and unexpected costs
for emergencies can have profound effects upon the economic
stability and the quality of life for the elderly citizen.
Five indicators examine some of the issues related to income and
its ability to provide a comfortable, safe lifestyle. Follow the
links that appear in the grey panel to the right of your screen.
These will lead you to the pages of Dallas Indicators that address
these specific issues.
- Income levels
- Poverty levels
- Median household income adjusted by cost of
living
- Cost of living index
- Bankruptcies