Summit County Drafts Strategic Senior Services Plan to Address Projected Population Surge

Summit County, Utah, is developing a comprehensive strategic plan to address a projected doubling of its senior population, which is expected to reach 30% of the local demographic by 2036. The initiative follows the 2024 closure of the county's only continuing care facility, prompting local officials to evaluate how to better support aging residents through expanded programming and infrastructure. This planning process aims to bridge gaps in transportation, health services, and specialized care to ensure the region can sustain its rapidly growing 65-plus demographic.

Summit County officials are responding to demographic projections indicating that the number of residents aged 65 or older will rise from 15% to 30% over the next decade. This local trend mirrors a broader national shift where nearly 17% of the U.S. population is now over 65, representing a massive growth rate since the early 20th century. In response, the Summit County Council has prioritized a detailed analysis of senior programming, particularly after the 2024 closure of Elk Meadows, the county’s sole continuing care facility. Councilor Tonja Hanson has been a vocal advocate for exploring private-sector partnerships to establish a new care facility to fill this critical gap in the local healthcare continuum.

To guide these efforts, the county engaged The Hill Group, a Pennsylvania-based consulting firm, to conduct outreach and develop a strategic roadmap. Jordan Pallitto, the firm’s chief operating officer, reported that while existing senior centers and the Meals on Wheels program receive high praise, there is a significant demand for more diverse "body, mind, spirit" and social programming. Pallitto emphasized that seniors are not a monolith, noting that the needs of a 60-year-old differ greatly from those of a 90-year-old. Consequently, the strategic plan will focus on differentiating services across age dimensions to better serve the entire spectrum of the aging population.

Transportation has emerged as the primary concern for seniors, particularly those living in the rural East Side of the county. Residents reported significant difficulties accessing grocery stores, medical appointments, and social gatherings without assistance from younger drivers. Deputy County Manager Janna Young noted that while many seniors value the rural character of their communities, the lack of infrastructure makes aging in place increasingly difficult. Additionally, the plan will address branding challenges, as some eligible residents avoid programs because they do not identify with the term "senior." The final strategic plan, which may include renaming facilities to focus on "active aging," is expected to be reviewed by the County Council in early September.