📋 Older Adults Outnumber Children in 11 States (AARP Article)

[SummerOnTheWay1]

FROM THE ARTICLE.

New Census Bureau report shows rapid growth of older population.

By Kenneth Terrell, AARP.

*** There are 5 comments on AARP website. Stop by to add yours. ***

Published June 26, 2025.

America’s population is aging significantly, shifting the delicate balance between old and young.

According to a June 26 report from the U.S. Census Bureau, the share of the nation’s population that is age 65 and older grew from 12.4 percent to 18 percent from 2004 to 2024. At the same time, the amount of people under age 18 decreased from 23.2 percent to 21.5 percent.

USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE.

https://www.aarp.org/census-report-older-adults-outnumber-children/

[GailL1]

Wow - that’s a big jump in just 5-years 

from the article:

There are now 11 states in which residents age 65 and older outnumber the under-18 group: Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, New Hampshire, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and West Virginia. In 2020, only Florida, Maine and Vermont were in that category.

Seems that this is gonna produce some financial problems for those states - especially if the older are not financially well off in their retirement and they need services even if it is only the MSP. 

I know in my states there are [rural] counties that are just like this - the younger are moving away to better pastures and the older are staying.  Maybe this is why there are more per capita nursing homes and residents in such places.  The future for the young is dismal unless they can figure out a way to capitalize on things surrounding being old - which also means pretty much hands-on since things like DME can be shipped from anywhere.  

Another problem that this brings is when long time physicians retire in places like this - it is hard to find a replacement.  

[SummerOnTheWay1]

📎  Well, in a way I am NOT surprised but also thought the 2020 COVID STAY HOME would have created MORE youngsters.

In my very humble opinion & speaking from my life - ALOT of women are "choosing" NOT to be mothers. My only child, a daughter is one. I am disappointed as at age 67 I had dreams of at least one grandchild to spoil. But I totally "understand & respect" her decision. Up until age 28, I wanted NO kids = had babysat my two younger brothers ALL MY LIFE while my friends enjoyed their "childhoods". At age 18 I told EVERYONE, no more "mandatory" babysitting and to this day I will NOT. Now IF I did have grandkids, YES - bring them over, be glad to.

So I was in NO RUSH to tie myself down until age 28, the MATERNAL kicked in. But ONE was it. Lol, his & my family had lots to say about having more but it was MY body and he was okay with just our darling girl.

With my daughter, she has NOT found a man she wants to marry & serious about her faith = got to be married before kids. Me on the other hand was a Single Mom who later married (when I was ready to deal with his family - mainly his mother).

Hopefully we will have youngsters to carry on AFTER we oldsters are gone.

GRANDPARENTS enjoy them.  💛

[papawofboo · Accepted solution]

Like you I though that 2020 would have made a difference. Grew up in a not so big town, every time we had a snow and couldn't get out for several days, 9 months' later the ER would be full. 

I think one of the reasons for the decline is woman in the work force, not just working, but having positions in business.

Also people want to enjoy their time and money more and put off having children. Then around 35/40 they think about having children and do the math. When the child is 15 or so and going full speed they will be 50 or so. That is the age to have grandchildren so you can send them home. When you send your 15 year old home, they just go down the hall.

Very few people in late 30's will have more than one.

Spring, I'm going to tell you something, if your daughter decides to have one or some, better get you pocketbook and back in good shape. Them g/kids can wear both of them out.