One of the most significant demographic trends in Boulder County will have a major impact on our community over the next few decades.
In 2015, the state estimated that there were 40,168 residents who were 65 and older in Boulder County. In 2040, that’s expected to be 88,889 people. By 2030, one in five Boulder County residents will be 65 and older.
Our changing demographics, including tracking the growing number of senior citizens, make up an important component of The Community Foundation’s TRENDS Report. The 2015-2016 publication, our biennial indicators report, will be released the first week in September.
Why are demographics important to us? We believe the key to improving the quality of life in Boulder County is to know the data about Boulder County. Once we know the facts, we can address important issues.
When it comes to an aging population, it’s worth considering: Do we have adequate housing for an aging population? Do we have the transportation systems in place to preserve a good quality of life here? What are the economic repercussions of having a growing portion of the community working less, or retired?
The Boulder County Area Agency on Aging’s survey of older adults showed that 90 percent of Boulder County’s seniors gave the community high ratings as a place to live. But only about 50 percent of them gave positive ratings to the county’s neighborliness and valuing of older residents.
From a policy perspective, some promising news at the state level: The Strategic Planning Group on Aging began its work this week, on Aug. 24, 2015. The 23-member task force will consider issues Colorado faces as the Baby Boomers age into retirement and beyond. The group is expected to report its findings and policy recommendations to the governor and General Assembly by Nov. 1, 2016.
If your civic, business or nonprofit group would like to schedule a TRENDS presentation by The Community Foundation, call Erika Stutzman at 303-442-0436, or email erika@commfound.org.
