The Census Bureau predicts the U.S. population of older adults will pass that of children by 2035 for the first time ever.The United States Census Bureau says 2035 will mark a turning point in the demographic history of the United States. A report released March 13 projects that when the average age of the baby-boomer generation goes over 65, older adults will outnumber children under 18 for the first time in U.S. history.
The population in Pima County mirrors the nationwide numbers, according to Mark Clark, the president of the Pima Council on Aging.
"We’re definitely aging faster," said Clark, adding that Pima County saw a 21 percent increase in adults over 65 between 2010-2015.
Statewide data from the Arizona Department of Health Services reveals a similar trend, projecting that the number of older adults would jump to an estimated 21 percent of the entire population by 2050.
Clark said businesses and state agencies will need to look at ways to support the needs of the growing population, which include the development of specialized housing and improved emergency responses to problems common among older people, such as falls.
He said that older adults will also face significant social issues as their population increases.
"In the macro sense, one of the largest challenges older adults face in our society is the assumption that they’re not really good for much anymore," said Clark. “"We of course don’t agree with that. There are many wonderful things to older adults can bring to us as a society."
The mid-20th century baby boom refers to those born between 1946 and 1964.
Emily Ellis is an AZPM intern and student in the University of Arizona School of Journalism.
By submitting your comments, you hereby give AZPM the right to post your comments and potentially use them in any other form of media operated by this institution.