West Virginia is an aging state. According to US Census Data (Census.gov, 2020), 20.5% of West Virginia’s population is 65 years of age or older, compared with 16% of the US population. A similar trend is seen across the rural counties of Appalachia. Significant poverty and disability reduce available financial resources and feelings of burden related to extended family care can take a toll on healthy aging.
- Senior fitness
- Community health programs
- Community planning
- Social work
Other career possibilities in the field of aging include:
- Estate and financial planning
- Elder law
- Volunteer management
- Human resources
- Housing and home modification