Across Illinois, more people are living longer than ever before. Some Illinoisans can look forward to 25 to 40+ years of retirement, with many hoping to enjoy travel and leisure as well as purposeful activities like supporting family and volunteering, continuing or starting new careers.

But these opportunities are not afforded to all older adults, as many do not have the financial means to travel, or opportunities are limited in their community. Some do not have a choice to retire, but are forced to, while others may have to work later in life to make ends meet for themselves or family. Health inequities also cause many to miss out completely on potential years of life or to have a far lower quality of life than what is possible.

According to the Illinois Department on Aging, from 2000 to 2020, Illinois’s population of people aged 60+ increased from roughly 2 million people to more than 3 million people in 2020. By 2030, another roughly 600,000 people aged 60+ will be added, and this group. In the span of 30 years, that’s a roughly 80% increase in the older adult population.

Illinois needs a strategic action plan for aging. Join Illinois Aging Together by filling out this form.