07/30/2026

States Preparing for Growing Impact of Aging Population, Pew Report Finds

A new report from The Pew Charitable Trusts says states should begin preparing now for the fiscal and policy impacts of an aging population, including growing demand for long-term services, caregiver supports, transportation, housing and health care.

The report notes that adults age 65 and older now make up 18% of the U.S. population, up from 12.4% in 2004, with that share expected to exceed 20% by 2030. As populations age, states are expected to face slower growth in income and sales tax revenue while demand increases for Medicaid, long-term services and supports, and other aging-related programs.

Pew's review of state aging plans found that transportation, caregiver support, housing, health care and aging in place were the needs identified most frequently by states. The report also highlights workforce shortages and helping older adults connect with available services as common challenges that will become more pressing in the years ahead.

For Ohio, the findings reinforce demographic trends already shaping policy discussions. By 2030, nearly one in three Ohioans is expected to be age 60 or older, increasing the importance of investing in the workforce, expanding access to aging services and supporting family caregivers.

Read the full Pew report for additional analysis of how demographic changes are affecting state budgets and long-term planning.