Census Bureau Report: Number of Aging Boomers Will Jump by 2030

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that the dependency ratio (the ratio of the number of people 65 and older to every 100 people of traditional working ages) is projected to climb from 22 in 2010 to 35 in 2030. This time period coincides with the time when a significant number of baby boomers will move into the 65-and-older age category.

“This rapid growth of the older population may present challenges in the next two decades,” said Victoria Velkoff, assistant chief for estimates and projections for the Census Bureau's Population Division, who is quoted in a new release from the bureau.

Health care for aging Americans is one of the chief concerns raised by this developing trend. Agencies like Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties are expected to play a more significant role in serving this growing part of the population.

"As the percentage of population above 65 increases, so will the need for health care and essential social services," said Teresa Barry, CEO of Meals On Wheels of Stark & Wayne Counties and chairman of the Meals On Wheels Association of America. "Meal delivery and nutrition programs like Meals On Wheels will be vital to the independence and quality of life enjoyed by those in their retirement years."

Click here to read the full release.