Oregon, like the rest of the nation, is aging. In 2005, 24% of Oregonians were over age 55. By 2025, this percentage will rise to 30%. According to national survey research, four of five people over 50 say they will work in retirement, either full or part time and either for money or enjoyment. Moreover, half of all Americans ages 50 to 70 say they want work in retirement that helps improve life in their communities.
In April 2008, The Oregon Community Foundation received a grant from The Atlantic Philanthropies to test ways to engage Boomers to use their skills and experience to address Oregon’s needs in early childhood education. As part of this effort, OCF commissioned Oregon State University to conduct research about engaging Boomers in early childhood. Download the full report, the Executive Summary, and a powerpoint presentation about the report:
Boomers and Babies: Engaging Boomer-age Volunteers in Oregon’s System of Early Care and Education (Oregon State University Report) (PDF)
Boomers and Babies Report Executive Summary (PDF)
Powerpoint presentation about the Oregon State University Research (PPT)
Also, OCF partnered with Technical Assistance for Community Services (TACS) to research and write a report assessing older adult engagement generally in Oregon. OCF released this report, The Oregon Community Experience Partnership, in June 2007. Download the assessment report:
Executive Summary (PDF)
Full Report (PDF)
If you have any questions about this research, please contact Sonia Worcel, OCF’s Research Director, at 503.227.6846 or sworcel@oregoncf.org.