The Opportunity of Aging: Health Care Solutions for Seniors in Middle Georgia
Every day in the United States, nearly 12,000 people turn 65—a pace that will continue through the end of 2025 (Oss, 2025). While this trend is often framed as a looming challenge for health care systems, at CSB of Middle Georgia (CSBMG) we see it as something more: a tremendous opportunity to redesign how health care supports aging with dignity, independence, and wellness.
A Growing Senior Population with Unique Needs
By 2050, the number of adults aged 65 and older in the U.S. is projected to reach 82 million, up from 58 million in 2022 (Administration for Community Living, 2023). This group is more racially, ethnically, and economically diverse than ever before, with increasing numbers living alone and managing multiple chronic conditions.
Rather than approaching this demographic shift as a crisis, CSBMG believes it’s a call to action—to strengthen our local care infrastructure, expand behavioral health services, and create integrated care models that truly meet the needs of seniors across our sixteen-county region.
Health Care Spending & Opportunity for Innovation
Health care costs for seniors can be significant. A single year in a nursing home averages $100,000, while in-home care can cost $60,000 (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2024). Yet we are underinvesting in cost-effective community-based supports. For example, Medicare loses $63 billion annually due to ageism in health care, while the budget for the Older Americans Act, which supports aging in place, remains under $3 billion (Oss, 2025).
This discrepancy presents an opportunity: shift the investment from reactive to proactive care. That means boosting programs that keep seniors healthy and independent, such as outpatient behavioral health, care coordination, caregiver support, and transportation services. These are all areas where CSBMG is actively expanding access and building partnerships.
Local Solutions for Aging in Place
One of the clearest opportunities in senior care is enabling people to age in place. Most older adults prefer to remain in their homes and communities, and doing so is often more affordable and supportive of mental health. CSBMG is committed to offering outpatient services and wellness programs that help seniors stay connected and cared for—especially in rural areas where options may be limited.
Our outpatient clinics in Dublin, Eastman, Waynesboro, Swainsboro, and Sylvania serve as hubs for behavioral health care, from mental health support to medication management and referrals to local resources. These services allow seniors to maintain control over their health, reduce hospitalizations, and improve their quality of life.
Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagement
As highlighted in national conversations like the 2024 Aging in Place Summit, now is the time for providers to partner across diverse sectors—health care, housing, transportation, advocacy, and academia—to develop comprehensive aging strategies (Oss, 2025). At CSBMG, engaging with community advisory councils and exploring multisector resources for aging in hopes of supporting services that reflect the real needs of older adults in Middle Georgia. We believe health equity is non-negotiable. We are continually working to remove barriers to care, particularly for vulnerable seniors who are low-income, isolated, or managing multiple health conditions.
Conclusion: Aging Is a New Frontier
As we look ahead, we must reimagine aging not as a crisis but as a frontier of opportunity—to deliver smarter, more compassionate health care. Whether it’s expanding outpatient mental health, creating support networks, or advocating for funding that reflects seniors’ needs.
To learn more about services available for seniors or to partner with us on community aging initiatives, contact CSBMG or visit www.csbmg.com.
References
Administration for Community Living. (2023). 2023 profile of older Americans. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://acl.gov
Kaiser Family Foundation. (2024). The affordability of long-term care and support services: Findings from a KFF survey. https://www.kff.org
Oss, M. E. (2025, April 4). 12,000 people a day. OPEN MINDS. https://www.openminds.com