Thanks to new medical technology, heightened health awareness and easy, low-impact workout regimens,Americans are living longer, fuller lives these days. Consequently, one of the largest and fastest growing age groups in this country is the senior adult population. According to the report “65+ in the United States: 2005” from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the age 65 and over population is expected to double in the next 25 years. As a result, more than 20 percent of all Americans will be over the age of 65. Over 85 is the fastest growing age bracket. None of this comes as a surprise to residents and organizations in the Dallas area, where approximately 8 percent of the population falls into the over-65 age bracket. The DFW Metroplex has long prided itself on serving its current senior residents and welcoming relocating seniors with a wide variety of housing options and specialized services.

Many seniors looking for the ideal residence during their golden years love DFW’s mild climate, travel accessibility via DFW International Airport, outstanding health-care facilities, and senior-friendly activities and organizations. In response, Dallas welcomes its senior citizens with open arms.

One of the primary concerns for many seniors is health care. If that describes you, Dallas makes perfect sense as your new home. Greater Dallas offers some of the top health-care facilities in the world. (Refer to the Health chapter in this publication for a complete list of area hospitals.) Beyond its traditional hospitals and clinics, Dallas also provides health care tailored to senior residents. At Baylor Senior Health Centers, for example, caring for patients 65 and older is all they do. Baylor Senior Health Centers offer many services to help seniors assess, manage and prevent health-related problems. There are six Baylor Senior Health Centers throughout the Dallas area. Call 800-422-9567 for more information.

Our communities also get support from the Area Agency on Aging of Dallas County (DAAA), which works to provide services to persons age 60 or older with the greatest social and economic need. The DAAA advocates for seniors to boost awareness in the community, plans and coordinates a comprehensive system of services, addresses important issues for the elderly, aids contractors working with senior-oriented projects, funds nutrition services, sponsors events and publishes helpful directories. This action-oriented agency works to find effective, real-world solutions for today’s seniors. For information and assistance, call 214-871-5065 or visit the website www.ccgd.org.

Active seniors moving to the Dallas area will find a lively mix of activities and services sponsored by many organizations. Whether your idea of fun is a bike ride with other seniors or a trip to a museum, you can learn new things and have a good time in Dallas.

Most area parks departments sponsor activities for seniors. For example, the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department and its senior citizen services coordinator, sponsors outings based in city parks and recreation centers.

In addition, YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas offers fellowship and exercise in its Prime Time 55-Plus program. Likewise, the YWCA’s Intergenerational Center and Club Young-At- Heart gives seniors an opportunity to participate in arts and crafts, day trips, special interest discussions, exercise programs and activities with children.

Another great way to get involved is to simply pick up the phone and start asking questions. Many golf courses, theaters, cultural events, etc. offer tours, outings, clubs or services for seniors. You have plenty of numbers to call just by reading Chamber of Commerce publications.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is an excellent resource for seniors nationwide, and you can find a local chapter by using the organization’s chapter locator online at www.aarp.org/states/tx. Look up chapters by ZIP code, or call the state office, also located in Dallas, at 214-265-4078. The toll-free number nationwide is 888-OUR-AARP.

Driving in the Dallas area, especially during rush hour, can sometimes be a difficult experience. Baylor Senior Health Centers offer a course called the AARP 55 Driver Safety Seminar to help seniors adapt to Dallas and sharpen or maintain their driving skills. This two-day course includes lunch both days. Call 800-4BAYLOR for pricing or to register.