Opinion Editorial by:  Marlene Elliott Brown, of Laurel, DE was appointed by President George W. Bush to serve as the Delaware/Maryland Director for USDA Rural Development. Her office is located in Dover, DE. Before joining USDA, she was the Director of State operations for former U.S. Senator William V. Roth (R-Del.).

May: Designated as Older Americans Month

For 45 years, every President since John F. Kennedy has established the month of May as a time to pay tribute to older adults.   In 1963, only 17 million Americans lived to celebrate their 65^th birthdays.  Today, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, over 37.8 million Americans have lived to celebrate their 65^th birthdays.

The older population is on the threshold of a boom and according to the U.S. Census Bureau projections, a substantial increase in the number of older people will occur during the years 2010 to 2030, after the first Baby Boomers turn 65 in 2011.  Currently, 14% of the Delaware population is over 65; in Maryland, 12% of the population is over 65.

This year’s Older Americans Month theme, “Working Together for Strong, Healthy, and Supportive Communities,” highlights the importance of building partnerships to ensure that older Americans are able to live with dignity and independence.  At USDA Rural Development, we know that the overwhelming preference of the American people is to remain at home for as long as possible and to have the ability to choose where they live as they age.  USDA Rural Development offers a variety of programs aimed at serving older Americans by providing safe, sanitary and affordable housing, health care and social needs. 

Rural Development has a program to help with home repairs to remove health and safety hazards for very low income and the elderly.  Loans at 1% can be made for up to $20,000 to help with repairs, weatherization or handicap accessibility.  In addition, grants of up to $7,500 can be made to persons 62 years or older.  More than 80 homes were repaired last year in rural Delaware and rural Maryland.  In many instances, the home repair program has made it possible for people to live their sunset years in a home where they have raised a family.

In fulfilling President Bush’s commitment to provide Americans enhanced consumer choices and the freedom to live independently; Rural Development also supports the construction or renovation of rental apartments that are dedicated to serving people age 62 or over.  Through our Community Facilities program we provide public bodies and non-profit organizations loan and grant funding to support rural community health care facilities, nursing homes, and senior centers.

As we reflect on Older Americans Month, we pause to celebrate the richness of our elder population.  If you are aware of an older adult that could benefit from our home repair program, we encourage you to refer them to our agency.   At the same time, we look forward to partnering with public bodies and non-profit groups in rural areas to serve our aging America.  The USDA Rural Development office serving Delaware and Maryland can be reached at (302) 857-3580.

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