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Figure 5. Hawaii County 60+ <br />by Gender <br />Older Adult Vulnerable Population <br />Male <br />Female <br />In Hawai'i County, older women represent 51% of <br />the older population. As the population grows, <br />women will continue to represent a larger <br />percentage of the general older population. (See <br />Figure 4) <br />Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 American Community Survey <br />5 -Year Estimates <br />There are several demographic indicators that Area Agencies on Aging use to determine service and <br />program needs in the community. They include: seniors living alone, income levels (at or below <br />Federal Poverty Level), limited English speaking ability, ethnic distribution, disabilities, living with <br />grandchildren, health status and chronic conditions, living in rural areas, social isolation, and family <br />caregivers, among others. Note: Data for Figures 5, 6, and 7 obtained from U.S. Census Bureau, 2008- <br />2012 American Community Survey 5- year Estimates. <br />Figure 6. 60+ Living Alone <br />Hawaii County <br />Figure 7. 60+ Poverty Level <br />Hawaii County <br />Living Alone <br />Live with <br />Others <br />Below 100% <br />FPL <br />100% to 149% <br />FPL <br />At or Above <br />150% FPL <br />According to a 2011 study by AARP, nearly 90% of <br />people over age 65 wish to remain in their home <br />for as long as possible. Although studies have shown <br />that the impact of loneliness and isolation can <br />shorten a persons' life, staying in familiar <br />surroundings may offer benefits to seniors' <br />emotional well-being. In HCOA's 2015 data sets, we <br />find 249 out of 726 (34%) seniors receiving cluster 1 <br />services living alone. <br />Economic stability is a major concern for the elderly. <br />National studies show that as people age, the more <br />likely they are to have reduced incomes. According <br />to a report by the Economic Policy Institute, the <br />average family income of people aged 80 and older is <br />less than half the income of adults between 18 and 64 <br />years of age. Issues commonly experienced by the <br />elderly such as living on a fixed income, increased <br />medical expenditures, and death of a spouse can lead <br />to limited income available for basic needs. The <br />Federal Poverty Level measures sufficient income for <br />the most basic level of subsistence. <br />18 <br />