By Lucy Wyndham

UNDATED (NewsDakota.com) – North Dakota has always been a young state when it comes to median age, but there is now a considerable aged population that is in need of support.

Figures collated by the Population Reference Bureau indicate that there are now 123,000 senior citizens in North Dakota and only 642,000 other citizens to support them – a ratio of 16%. Two factors will only increase this ratio in favor of senior citizens – the continued technological uplift ongoing in North Dakota, and improving conditions across the country. With this comes the need for proper support, and more can be done in communities across the state.

Providing modifications

Senior citizens value independence, and it’s important that as many individuals as possible are given the ability to age in place. This is becoming harder, in part due to climate change; as Gizmodo notes, the life-threatening cold snaps that have recently colored North Dakota and the wider region are becoming all-too-common. To support senior citizens, they need high quality and resilient climate control, particularly boilers, but also a home that stays warm and enables them to get around despite the risks outside. This can include modifications such as decluttering, the installation of ramps and handrails, or modifications for bathroom and kitchen use. Providing a happy home is something the community can become involved in, and is an important first step.

Staying in touch

North Dakota is one of the most sparsely populated states, as The Hill shows – the intersection of 5th Street Southeast and 52nd Avenue Southeast, Stutsman County, remains the natural population hub of the state despite having only 21,000 residents. This lack of hustle and bustle is key to the North Dakota lifestyle, but it can also create isolation. In older people, that can be deadly; loneliness is a real mental health challenge, and can give rise to more damaging conditions such as dementia, which stems from cognitive decline. Modern technology, ranging from digital calls to the Metaverse, give communities the opportunity to support senior citizens and ensure they don’t experience this isolation.

Giving a vocation

It’s easy to assume that senior citizens now want to sink into retirement and have given their all when it comes to work and education. For many, the truth couldn’t be further from that reality. According to The Dickinson Press, many senior citizens have been completely overlooked by potential employers, despite being willing and able to put their decades of experience to use. This has arguably been a huge missed opportunity – especially in COVID times, when employers are crying out for new hires. Providing work for these senior citizens will benefit businesses and those individuals looking for a new vocation.

Together, the community can provide all of this. Being aware of the challenges that living in North Dakota poses, and how senior citizens might in particular be affected, is the key to providing real support as the population inevitably ages.