The new U.S. Census report supports the trends we regularly discuss in our network.  New information indicates a larger 65+ population than previously projected, ie. more than double the current  segment.

Between 2010 and 2050, the United States is projected to experience rapid growth in its older population. In 2050, the number of Americans aged 65 and older is projected to be 88.5 million, more than double its projected population of 40.2 million in 2010. The baby boomers are largely responsible for this increase in the older population, as they will begin crossing into this category in 2011. Also, the data continues to indicate tremendous increases in older adult dependence on the working segment of our population. As reported by the Wall Street Journal, The Census Bureau measures the burden of aging through a metric called “the dependency ratio,” or the number of people 65 and older to every 100 working aged people (people between 20 and 64). That ratio is projected to climb from 22 in 2010 to 35 in 2030, as the baby boomers turn 65 and older. That steep rise will begin to moderate somewhere around 2030, the Census said, hitting 37 in 2050.

Of course, this ratio is most significant when we look at Social Security contributions and the rising cost of health care, however there can be no doubt that “Boomers” will require more professional resources and services such as senior move managers to their support aging parents.

And the trend doesn’t stop there.  In another 15 years, the first wave of boomers will reach their mid to late seventies and will require more assistance with ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) themselves.  The demand we have today for senior home care,  age-focused housing and  support services will continue to rise. Resources such as MoveSeniors.com, which  supports seniors and their families by helping to screen resources and elevate professional standards, become more important than ever.

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Nan Hayes

RightSized Living®

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About the author: Nan Hayes has helped countless families with organizing , downsizing and move management. She is the founder of MoveSeniors.com and is dedicated to helping seniors find qualified professional resources to support their  home transitions.