There's a demographic invasion of North Carolina under way and it has nothing to do with immigrants. It's the over-55 population. As a group, it is growing rapidly, bringing with it a plethora of public policy and social service challenges in the years ahead.
According to U.S. Census data released recently, the number of people over 55 in North Carolina grew 40 percent from 2000 to 2010 while the overall state population increased 18 percent. North Carolina's median age went up from 35.3 years to 37.4 years.
Also, as younger adults migrate to work and live in more populated areas, rural counties may face increasingly older populations and the issues they create, such as higher Medicare costs and the availability of health care. The median age in some mountain counties was well over 40, according to the census report. In Forsyth County, the 2010 census showed that those 55 and older increased 32 percent, making up 25 percent of the county's population. In 2000, they were 21 percent of the population.
"Obviously we are not prepared," Bob Garner, a spokesman for the AARP in North Carolina, told The Associated Press. "We weren't prepared before that kind of an increase in the 55-and-over population, and we're certainly not prepared now."
The North Carolina Center for Public Policy Research reports that the state today has about 1.2 million people who are 65 years old or older, or about 13 percent of our population. And, 28 of North Carolina's 100 counties have more people over 60 than people under 25. By 2030, the center estimates, the 65-plus population will likely increase by 80 percent, to about 2.1 million people, and make up 18 percent of the state's population.
Blame the baby boomers — those born between 1946 and 1964, the second-largest generation in American history — for this demographic shift. As this huge group ages, pressures will build for groups that provide assistance to older residents. Some say they don't know if there are enough health-care services for the aging, especially in rural areas. And it will be harder to keep older residents in their homes, which is preferred to institutional care.
"There is an increased awareness of this issue, and the new numbers will accentuate that," said Dennis Streets, the director of the N.C. Division of Aging and Adult Services. The division held meetings and issued recommendations for addressing the state's aging population.
It's not too early for the legislature to begin addressing the serious issues facing our aging residents, including access to affordable health care, mental-health care, transportation and social services. Our older citizens labored so many of us today could enjoy a rewarding life. It's simple: We owe them.
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