Why is it important to support the senior center?

This community was built due to the work of the generations who have gone ahead of us. Now that they are older, they depend on us to be here for them. One of the ways we do this is through having the East County Senior Center available to provide the services it does (see other side).

We are headed for a big increase in the older population. Here are some statistics of interest.

• In the year 2000, 12.3% of the total population (606,024) in Snohomish County was persons age 60 and older; 4.4% (26,654) was persons age 75 and older.
• By the year 2020, 21.1% (190,258) of the total population will be age 60 and older; 5.4% (46,380) will be persons age 75 and older.
• Between 1990 and 2000, the total population grew by 30.1%; the 60 and older group grew by 25% and the 75 and older group grew by 52%.
• Between 2000 and 2020, the projected growth for the total population is 31%. Projected growth for the 60 and older and 75 and older age groups are 155.2% and 75% respectively.

What does this mean for the Sky Valley area?

·        According to the 2000 census, there are 1,389 people over the age of 65 in Monroe and 158 of those are over 65 and living in poverty.

·        In Sultan, Startup, Gold Bar, Index, Baring and Skykomish, there are 825 people over the age of 65 with 29 of them living in poverty.

·        According to projections these numbers should about double in the next ten years.

(The source of this information is the Area Plan on Aging for 2004-2007 prepared by the staff of Snohomish County Human Services, division of Long-term Care and Aging.)

As a community it is important for us to recognize this aging trend and be proactive by insuring the East County Senior Center remains vital, strong, and capable of continuing to provide low and no-cost services to the older adults who need them.

Supporting our Fundraisers is one way for you to do this.

We appreciate your support!