Upstate New York saw an enormous migration of young adults leaving New York in search of greener pastures. According to "Flight of the Young Adults is Causing Alarm Upstate" an article published in the New York Times there was a 25% reduction statewide in adults age 24-35 between 1990 and 2004. In the more rural counties the migration was even more pronounced. The graph below shows census data comparing the median age of New York compared to the US. Notice the median age of Upstate New York in particular.
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| For more information see the Graying of the Empire State |
What does the future hold? The smaller tax base has already strained local communities and school districts, but the news isn't all bad. A little financial stress always helps to bring about creative ways to save money. Communities are forced to cut out wasteful spending and to reprioritize to focus on the necessities.
Otsego County has been part of this drama with the pending sale of the Otsego Manor, and adult home operated since 1827. Due to escalating costs and budget cuts the County is selling the home to the highest bidder. For the latest news on the bidding see this recent article from The Daily Star.
Peter, I thought this was a very interesting topic! While it is important to be fiscally responsible there always seems to be some sort of loss when we re-prioritize to help cut costs. I always wonder if private companies are really able to provide the best care when it comes to nursing homes/care facilities. However, it seems in this case the private companies would provide equal or better care according to the federal rankings.
ReplyDeleteBesides financial consequences, it would also be interesting to see what other aspects of communities (especially rural ones) face increased burdens. As we all know, healthcare in particular often suffers as young professionals move to bigger cities. With a median age of New Yorkers increasing, one has to wonder who will be filling all the spots upon the current population's retirement.
ReplyDeleteI always find it difficult to find solutions regarding financial concerns, especially in cases regarding caring for our ever-aging population. This article is interesting in that it does highlight the important of using resources wisely and suggests that creativity may stem from the additional pressure put on the use of such resources. It will be interesting to see what changes come in the future.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to hear that Focus group had taken Otsego Manor. They are going to change the nursing home in to an integrated campus which creates all type of care and other facilities to their residents. I think this make's a change to all assisted living residents.
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