States Focus on Rise of Older Adult Populations

The U.S. Census Bureau forecasts that older Americans will outnumber children younger than 18 by 2035, reports U.S. New & World Report . This inundation is expected to hit regions like the rural Midwest sooner, since growth in the younger working-aged populace has trailed coastal metropolitan regions. Older adults also are less likely to stay employed into their late 60s and 70s in these areas, adding to a significant labor shortage. "In Minnesota, we're right on the cusp right now of our older adult population outnumbering our school-aged population," says Allison Liuzzi with the Minnesota Compass data hub. "That has implications for policy and where you put tax money and where your priorities are." No two states' coping strategies for the expected senior tide are identical, with older men and women opting to remain in the workforce past retirement in certain parts of the country more than others. Maine Council on Aging Executive Director Jess Maurer also notes seniors often need specific types of caregivers, transportation choices, and community engagement opportunities that further stress local labor markets. Maine, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado, and Hawaii score highest for their efforts to manage the senior boom.