As millions of Americans hit retirement age, most states are scrambling to keep up.
The number of older Americans is growing faster than the country is prepared for, creating urgent challenges for healthcare, housing, and retirement security, a new study by Seniorly.com shows.
This year, 4.2 million Americans will celebrate their 65th birthdays, marking a major milestone for the nation’s aging population. By 2050, more than one in five Americans will reach retirement age, according to Seniorly.com.
The so-called “silver tsunami” — the rapid rise of the nation’s senior population — is already straining hospitals, nursing homes, and social safety nets like Social Security, with funding gaps and workforce shortages expected to worsen in the coming decades.
Warning signs are already apparent. By 2030, the U.S. could face a shortfall of more than 63,000 registered nurses, while seniors in 41 states and D.C. are projected to outlive their savings.
The analysis, conducted by Seniorly.com, a CareScout company, ranked states on preparedness for an aging population, looking at population trends, financial readiness, and healthcare capacity.
Hawaii came in first, thanks to strong nursing home quality and a low rate of seniors living alone. Oregon ranked worst, with low senior labor participation and soaring home health aide costs.
New York ranked 39th in the analysis, reflecting challenges in housing affordability, healthcare access, and growing demand for long-term care.
Arthur Bretschneider, CEO of Seniorly, emphasized the stakes:
“The silver tsunami represents one of the most profound demographic shifts in modern history. States that prepare now — investing in healthcare, housing, and workforce development — will not only mitigate crisis, but set the standard for how we support aging with dignity, security, and purpose.”
As the nation navigates this unprecedented demographic shift, families are urged to plan ahead—considering care options, financial strategies, and support networks to avoid being caught unprepared in the decades ahead.
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