By the end of the next decade , in 2030 , one-in-five residents of this country will be 65 years of age or more , and in six states , one-in-four residents will reach this milestone ( Florida [ highest at 27 percent ], Maine , Montana , New Mexico , North Dakota , Wyoming ). 4 These predictions regarding the aging “ baby boomer ” population have appeared repeatedly in the public and professional media as government agencies have sought to prepare for the eventual massive consequences for the health and services industries , national and individual family economics and the need for a seemingly endless array of private and public programs .
“ Elderly to double to 14 percent of global population by 2040 .” 5
“ Census Bureau reports world ’ s older population projected to triple by 2050 .” 6
Unfortunately , the use of all-inclusive “ mega numbers and proportions ” in the listing of the prospects for 20 percent of the population are difficult for any person to place in proper perspective . As a result , these estimates become “ just numbers ” — not actual people . The need is to somehow personalize these numbers if we are to bring increased attention to the health and social needs of these individuals . The use of available Census Bureau data at the state and county levels provide an increased meaningful picture at a more local level during the period when the 65 and older population of Pennsylvania will increase to 2.9 million residents in 2030 . 7
Note : Specific information from the 2010 census on senior residents at the state and county levels may not be available for a period of time .
Numbers and percentages
In 2007 , there were 1.9 million residents 65 years and over in Pennsylvania .
Note : detailed demographic data regarding the senior population are not available from the Census Bureau at the county level . While there were lesser numbers of elderly in counties with smaller total population , there were :
• Between 10 and 42 thousand elderly in 29 counties .
• Between 51 and 84 thousand elderly in 9 counties .
• 114 thousand elderly in Montgomery County
• 187 thousand elderly in Philadelphia County .
• 206 thousand elderly in Allegany County . ( Table 1 )
Between the Census in 2000 and 2008 estimates , the number of individuals 65 years and older in Pennsylvania decreased by 2.7 percent , compared to 10.8 percent increase nationally . However ; the 85 and over population in Pennsylvania increased by 30.6 percent , compared to a 33.5 percent increase at the national level . The numeric and
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