Central Minnesota’s Aging Population Set to Explode

ST. CLOUD -- In the next 20 years, one in five people in central Minnesota will be over the age of 65. That is one of the statistics the Central Minnesota Council on Aging shared with Stearns County commissioners today.

Today's 65 and over residents makes up 13-percent of central Minnesota's overall population. By 2030, that percentage swells to more than 19-percent.

People are also living longer, meaning there could be a greater impact on public costs to care for the aging population.

Central Minnesota Council on Aging spokesman Dean Loidolt says it's especially true for those whose incomes are below the poverty line.

Statistics show 29% of Minnesota's baby boomers will not have adequate retirement income to support their health and long-term care costs.

Families are also getting smaller so there will be fewer children to care for aging parents. When family caregiving decreases, public costs increase.