Salt Lake County confronts aging population challenge at Regional Solutions event

What will Salt Lake County look like when over 20% of its population is at retirement age? 

This pressing question drove local leaders, planners and experts to convene Oct. 2 for the "2024 Regional Solutions: Aging in Place" event at the Viridian Event Center in West Jordan, where they sought answers and solutions for supporting the county’s aging residents. With demographic projections indicating a significant shift in the coming decades, the event provided a critical platform to address how communities can adapt to meet the needs of older adults, ensuring they can live independently and comfortably for years to come.

The event brought together both local and national speakers who highlighted existing initiatives and future plans aimed at helping older adults age gracefully within their communities. Liz Sollis, communications director for the Salt Lake County Mayor’s Office, emphasized, "Balancing immediate and future needs of an aging population is something we have been doing for many years and intend to continue. The Regional Solutions events are one way we inform our practices and policies."

Mallory Bateman, Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute director of demographic research addresses Salt Lake County’s Aging in Place event. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County Regional Development)

Planning for a Growing Demographic Shift

With the retirement-age population expected to rise, Salt Lake County has been implementing measures to ensure that aging residents can remain independent and connected. Ryan Anderson, Municipal Services and Regional Planning program manager for Salt Lake County, explained that the county is bringing planners together to integrate long-term strategies into regional planning. "Our goal is to support infrastructure and services that meet the evolving needs of older adults, lessening the reliance on social services in the future," Anderson said.

Salt Lake County’s Aging and Adult Services department has long provided programs such as Meals on Wheels, Senior Centers and Rides for Wellness, which directly assist older adults. But as Anderson noted, preparing for an aging population involves more than just expanding existing services—it requires comprehensive planning to accommodate older adults' needs through thoughtful community design and affordable housing solutions.

Addressing Financial Instability Among Older Adults

Economic stability is a growing concern for Utah’s older adults, especially as the state’s median income falls below $60,000 during retirement years. Nearly 60% of renters aged 65 and older are considered cost-burdened, spending more than 35% of their income on housing. As housing costs rise, Salt Lake County has prioritized affordability in its plans.

"The 'Aging in Place' event is a key forum to explore these financial challenges," Sollis stated. "Salt Lake County is committed to integrating affordability into its regional planning initiatives, focusing on livable communities that support residents of all income levels." One of the county’s initiatives involves changes to the accessory dwelling unit (ADU) ordinance, allowing homeowners to build secondary residences on smaller lots, thus providing more affordable housing options for older adults.

Additionally, the Housing Trust Fund supports the development of affordable and special-needs housing. By encouraging denser, more accessible housing, officials hope to create a system where aging residents can live close to family or caregivers while maintaining independence.

Promoting Age-Friendly Community Designs

Beyond affordability, Salt Lake County is focused on designing communities that are more age-friendly. Accessibility, walkability and connectivity are at the forefront of the county’s planning. According to Anderson, the Planning and Transportation Division has been improving infrastructure to ensure safety for all modes of travel, catering to residents of all abilities.

"Parks and Recreation recently added an accessible boat dock at Pioneer Crossing Regional Park, and the new trails within Butterfield Trailhead Regional Park are wide enough for adaptive bikes," Sollis said. Other efforts include improving the connectivity of regional trail systems, allowing residents to use soft or paved trails for both recreation and transportation. Initiatives like these underscore the importance of creating environments that enable older adults to remain active and engaged.

Dejan Eskic, senior research fellow at The Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute addresses Salt Lake County’s Aging in Place event. (Photo courtesy of Salt Lake County Regional Development)

 Integrating Healthcare and Community Resources

Aging in place is not just about where one lives; it’s also about having access to essential services. Although the county is not the primary provider of healthcare, it partners with organizations to ensure older adults can receive necessary support. Programs such as Medicare counseling and long-term care assistance help residents navigate complex healthcare needs.

Anderson highlighted that the county views its role as facilitating partnerships between healthcare providers and community organizations to ensure aging residents have access to affordable and quality care. “The 'Aging in Place' event served as a platform to discuss ways to improve these connections and identify models that can be implemented in Salt Lake County.”

The Future of Aging in Salt Lake County

As more people retire, the workforce is likely to shrink, leading to potential labor shortages. Salt Lake County has already developed programs to counteract this trend, such as the Salt Lake County Pre-apprenticeship Program, which focuses on helping underserved populations enter high-demand careers. While not exclusively aimed at older adults, the program offers a model of how skill development can help maintain economic stability across different age groups.

Salt Lake County officials were keen on learning from successful models nationwide. The event featured keynote speaker Danielle Arigoni, known for her work on community resilience and housing. Her insights on integrating housing, transportation and healthcare services provided local planners with valuable guidance as they work to design age-friendly communities.

According to Sollis, Salt Lake County Mayor Jenny Wilson has long prioritized access to services for people of all ages and this event is an extension of that commitment. "Balancing the immediate needs of our aging population with long-term sustainability goals is central to our planning efforts. By addressing the needs of older adults now through better urban design and housing affordability, we are building resilient communities that will benefit residents of all ages in the future."

For more details on affordable housing initiatives, visit the Housing and Community Development website at www.saltlakecounty.gov/regional-development/housing-community-development/.