Like many communities across Massachusetts, the population in the Town of Hamilton is aging. According to projections created by the Donahue Institute at the University of Massachusetts, a trend toward an older population is expected. Donahue Institute vintage projections suggest that by 2035, more than one out of each three Hamilton residents will be age 60 or older—32% of the Town’s population will be between the ages of 60 and 79, with an additional 9% age 80 and older. As the demographics of Hamilton shift toward a population that is older and living longer, the demand for programs and services that address aging-related needs will likely increase as well.
The Town’s Council on Aging serves as an important and valued resource that is a central point of contact for many older residents. Planning is necessary to ensure that the Town is adequately prepared to meet the challenges and to capitalize on opportunities that an aging population will present. In addition, it is increasingly relevant and necessary for those who provide services and amenities in the Town to recognize opportunities for collaboration and coordination to ensure that residents have the opportunity to age well in their community.
This report presents research findings from a study conducted by the Center for Social and Demographic Research on Aging at the University of Massachusetts Boston (UMass Boston), in collaboration with the Town of Hamilton. The purpose of this study was to investigate and document current and future needs and preferences of Hamilton’s older residents. To this end, we conducted a web-based survey of residents as well as four key-informant interviews with the aim of identifying concerns related to aging in Hamilton, with the added benefit of learning about the preferences and intentions of residents as they relate to programming and services offered by the Hamilton Council on Aging (COA).
The contents of this report are intended primarily to inform planning by the Hamilton COA and other municipal departments. In addition, contents may be of interest to community stakeholders in other public and private organizations that operate programs, provide services, and/or advocate for older adult residents in and around the Town of Hamilton
