Key Highlights

• National Overview
• Over 50 million seniors in the U.S. (16.5% of the total population).
• States with the highest senior percentage: Florida (21%) and Maine (20%).
• Lowest percentages: Utah (10.8%) and Alaska (11.1%).

• Largest senior populations by total numbers: California (5.4M) and Florida (4.2M).

• State Growth Trends

• Highest growth rates since 2010-2014:
  • Vermont (+3.1%), Maine (+3%), Delaware (+2.8%), and New Hampshire (+2.8%).
• Alaska also saw sharp growth, with its senior population increasing by 2.7%.

Notable States

Florida

• A major retirement destination with 25% of the population expected to be over 65 by 2040.
• Cities like The Villages (81.6%) and Punta Gorda (54.1%) have high senior concentrations.
• Factors attracting seniors: warm weather, no estate taxes, and abundant retirement communities.

Maine

• Divided into aging in place vs. retirement communities.
• Northern counties face higher poverty rates among the elderly (e.g., Somerset County at 14.1%).
• Southern counties with more out-of-state retirees have lower elderly poverty rates (e.g., Cumberland County at 6.1%).

Emerging Trends

• Future Aging Demographics
• By 2030, all baby boomers will be 65 or older.

• Aging population growth and declining birth rates may reshape the U.S. population into a \"pillar\" shape instead of a pyramid.

• Desire to Age in Place

• 76% of individuals over 50 wish to stay in their homes as they age (AARP study).

• Shifting preferences may impact state aging population trends and infrastructure demands.

• Challenges for Aging States

• Potential issues include housing surpluses, worker shortages, slower economic growth, and increased eldercare costs.

Median Age by State

• Oldest: Maine, median age of 44.7 years.
• Youngest: Utah, median age of 30.8 years.

Bottom Line

Comparing states like Maine and Florida (high senior populations) to Utah and Alaska (low senior populations) highlights the diversity of aging demographics. Most states hover around the national average of 15-17% senior citizens.

For additional context, explore elderly poverty statistics and trends in aging in place. "

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