Kane County Board Explores Population Growth and the Future Needs of Senior Citizens

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People are living longer—and Kane County is no exception. At a recent meeting, the Kane County Board examined the growing needs of its aging population, focusing on housing, financial security, transportation, and social engagement. With rising life expectancy and declining birth rates reshaping demographics both locally and nationally, Board Chairman Corinne Pierog stressed the importance of understanding the economic pressures and evolving needs of residents aged 65 and older as the county begins work on its five-year strategic plan.

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that roughly 62 million Americans—18% of the population—are currently 65 or older. That number is expected to climb to 84 million by 2054, making up nearly 23% of the total population. The number of centenarians is projected to quadruple, from 101,000 in 2024 to 422,000 by 2054. By 2060, average life expectancy in the U.S. is expected to reach 85.6 years.

As of July 1, 2024, the county's population was approximately 521,000, with 16.1%—about 83,000 residents—aged 65 and older. The highest concentration of seniors by percentage is found in Rutland Township in northern Kane County and Kaneville Township to the west. During the meeting, board members were told the county is home to more than 70 senior living facilities, including nursing homes, residential care facilities, retirement communities, and senior housing. Most are located along the Randall Road corridor, while the county's rural western areas remain largely underserved.

With longer lives, more residents are choosing—or hoping—to age in place. According to AARP's 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey, 75% of adults over 50 want to stay in their homes, and 73% want to remain in their communities. But outdated housing policies and limited infrastructure often stand in the way. By 2040, the number of U.S. households led by someone aged 80 or older is expected to double, making age-friendly planning a growing necessity.

One major barrier to aging in place is transportation. Ride in Kane, a curb-to-curb dial-a-ride paratransit service launched in 2008, provides essential mobility to seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities. However, the service is not available uniformly across the county and lacks a dedicated funding stream. Board members were told that expanding and standardizing Ride in Kane could improve transportation equity and help more seniors live independently.

Longer lifespans also bring financial pressures. According to a presentation by AgeGuide CEO Marla Fronczak, two in five baby boomers have no retirement savings or are at risk of outliving their savings due to rising medical costs, inflation, or the loss of a spouse. These realities highlight the importance of preserving and modernizing safety net programs like Social Security and Medicare to ensure long-term stability.

Unpaid caregiving is another critical issue. An estimated 53 million Americans serve as unpaid caregivers, often family members. Two-thirds are women, and only 4 in 10 are able to continue working while providing care. As the demand for caregiving increases, so does the need for better support systems.

In addition to physical and financial challenges, seniors often face chronic health issues and social isolation. Many older adults report feeling lonely or disconnected, which can have serious consequences for both physical and mental health. In 2023, a former U.S. Surgeon General declared a national “epidemic of loneliness," highlighting the urgent need for stronger community connections.

Locally, Kane County supports several outreach programs through organizations such as AgeGuide, Senior Services Associates​, and the Kane Senior Council. One example highlighted during the meeting was the Geneva Township Senior Center, which provides a welcoming space for seniors to gather, socialize, and stay active.

Seniors also face rising threats from financial scams. The FBI estimates that older Americans lose over $3 billion each year to fraud, including romance scams, fake lotteries, and sweepstakes. Many victims are hesitant to report these crimes out of fear or embarrassment, making the scams harder to detect and prosecute.

Elder abuse, neglect, and self-neglect remain hidden threats. Victims may be isolated, dependent, or afraid to speak up. The Kane County Sheriff's Office operates a dedicated Special Victims Team of trained detectives and social workers who investigate and respond to cases of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

Building on the momentum of the Board's recent discussion, Kane County Board Chair Corinne Pierog called for a follow-up meeting to be led by Board Members Ted Penesis and Alex Arroyo. The meeting will bring together township officials to identify gaps and coordinate efforts to better address the needs of older residents across the county.