LAS VEGAS--October 17, 2008-- New research by The Cannon Survey Center at UNLV is providing much-needed data for policymakers to help them better address the needs of Nevadans 50 and older. The study illustrates the lifestyles and concerns of aging adults.

The "Portrait of Nevada Seniors" released this week shows a majority of Nevadans 50 and older like driving and keep their licenses until they are 80. They surf the Internet daily, visit casinos more often than churches, own and live in a single-family residence and have delayed medical care in the past year because of increasing medical costs.

"Healthcare is of paramount importance. Fifty-two percent of Nevadans over the age of 50 are being treated for chronic illnesses and the number of uninsured in this age group has increased from 2006 to 2007," said Pam Gallion, director of The Cannon Survey Center. "There can be a period of up to 15 years when individuals under the age of 65 are not covered by health insurance because they are not yet eligible for Medicare, lost a job with insurance or cannot afford the cost of healthcare."

Nevada has the fastest-growing senior population in the nation in part because of its climate, no state income tax rule, entertainment activities and job opportunities for senior citizens. Yet, there is little data to reflect the lives of Nevadans over the age of 50.

The "Portrait of Nevada Seniors" was commissioned in 2005 through a $100,000 grant from the Task Force for a Healthy Nevada.

Researchers, comprised of mostly seniors, made more than 200,000 calls using random-digit dialing to Nevadans in Clark County, Washoe County, Carson City and rural Nevada. Researchers asked 5,000 Nevadans close to 100 questions pertaining to their health, income level, social habits, transportation methods and personal safety.

The research also indicates people over 50 are interested in volunteering and will have an important role in the public service and economic sectors, Gallion said.

"The three or four generations of adults 50 and older will make waves in public service and are not willing to sit back and stuff envelopes. They want to be an integral part of the organization," Gallion said.

The study will be provided to the Nevada Legislature in the 2009 session and other government and non-profit agencies. The Cannon Survey Center weighed its data by using age and sex projections for 2006 from the Nevada State Demographer. An estimate of the 50 and older population in each of the sample areas was obtained. The survey has a 2 percent margin of error. For more information and to view the study online, please visit http://surveys.unlv.edu/ or call 702-895-0486.