FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 8, 2007 San Mateo County Health Department Contact: Beverly Thames, (650) 573-3935 SAN MATEO COUNTY PLANS FOR SENIOR BOOM Survey Underway to Help Predict Future Service Needs SAN MATEO, Calif. -- Seniors are the fastest growing age group in San Mateo County. By 2020, the population of adults over 60 years of age is expected to increase by 65 percent. The fastest growing segment of the aging population will be among those over age 85. A phone survey is now underway to help the County predict the future characteristics and needs of this group in the year 2020 and beyond. Sponsored by the Health Department, in collaboration with the Department of Housing, SamTrans and the San Mateo Medical Center, the Aging 2020 study is the first of its kind in San Mateo County. The County hired The Lewin Group, a consulting firm, to develop a forecasting model and initial projections using existing data sources, focus groups and a county-wide household survey. Through the beginning of April, a survey firm, Baselice & Associates, will be calling approximately 850 randomly selected households and asking county residents to spend 25 minutes completing the survey. "I encourage residents to participate in the survey if called," said Dr. Scott Morrow, San Mateo County Health Officer. "What we learn through this survey will help shape your future. Let your voice be heard in this planning process." The survey includes questions related to housing, health care and transportation. For example, some homeowners see their homes as retirement plans, so the researchers will ask about mortgage payments and property taxes. With the answers to these questions, researchers hope to predict how well off residents will be in the future. The County does not link answers to individuals nor retain specific names beyond the analysis of this survey's data. It is important to note that residents should never give an unsolicited caller personal information, such as, credit card, Social Security or bank account numbers. The Health Department will publish the Aging 2020 study this fall. For more information, contact Crispin Delgado in the San Mateo County Health Department by phone at (650) 573-2951 or e-mail at cdelgado@co.sanmateo.ca.us. ###