Return to the PIE Home PageA 1985 report compiled by the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging identifies six social and economic characteristics placing the elderly (65+ years of age) "at risk" of institutionalization. Characteristics of the "at risk" elderly include: advanced age (75+ years), female, poor, near-poor, living alone, and having limitations on activity due to chronic conditions. In 1985 it is estimated there were 31,522 people over 74 years old, 47,682 female elderly, 8,947 elderly below the poverty level, 13,477 near-poor elderly (below 150% of the poverty level), 23,278 elderly living alone, and 13,351 elderly with limitations on activities due to chronic conditions in Franklin County.
The Columbus Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association estimates that in 1991 there were 14,000 people with Alzheimer's Disease in Franklin County. People with Alzheimer's Disease have an increased risk of institutionalization as they are likely to experience confusion, personality and behavior changes, impaired judgment and loss of short-term memory. The Alzheimer's Association reports that 50% of all nursing home patients are victims of Alzheimer's Disease or a related disorder.
Percent of 65+
Characteristics Number Population
75 or older 31,522 39.6
Female 47,682 63.4
Poor
100% Poverty Level 8,947 11.0
100 to 150% of
Poverty Level 13,477 16.7
Living Alone 23,278 32.8
Limitations on
Activity due to
Chronic Condition 13,351 18.9
Source: Prepared by Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging using 1) Current Population Survey, 2) "Future Growth of the Long-Term Care Population: Projections Using 1977 National Nursing Home Survey", 3) 1982 Long-Term Care Survey, 4) Ohio Data Users Center.
Filename: CD-020