Seniors in the Metro
The nationwide growth of the senior population is a well-documented demographic trend, driven by the retirement of the baby boomer cohort and their transition into their later life stages. The Omaha-Council Bluffs metro has more than 132,000 individuals over age 65 – about 13.8% of the total population. Nationally, seniors aged 65+ represent 16% of the overall population. While the metro has a slightly lower proportion than the national average, local research points to the significant growth of this population over time.
In our community, the senior population is also projected to increase 51% between 2020 and 2035 – five times as much as other ages.
Research conducted by UWM’s data partners highlights a remarkable trend in aging, projecting a substantial increase of 56,000 individuals in the 65 and older age group. This demographic shift is particularly pronounced at the higher end of the age spectrum, where an estimated 86% growth is anticipated among those aged 80 and above. The findings underscore the impact of rising life expectancy and emphasize the need for tailored strategies to support the unique challenges associated with the aging population, especially within the older age brackets.
The Age 65+ Population Will Rise 5x More Than Other Ages and 5x More Than the Recent Past
Population Growth Rates by Major Age Group for the Five Nebraska Counties of the Omaha Metro: 2020 to 2035
The aging population, specifically those aged 65 and above, faces a heightened risk of poverty, reflecting the intersection of various socioeconomic factors. For many seniors, fixed retirement incomes may struggle to keep pace with rising living costs, including healthcare expenses. Additionally, limited access to employment opportunities due to age-related barriers can exacerbate financial challenges. The U.S. Census developed the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) to account for various factors such as out-of-pocket medical expenses, taxes and government assistance programs. For seniors, especially those aged 65 and above, healthcare costs constitute a significant portion of their expenses. The SPM’s inclusion of these costs provides a more accurate reflection of seniors’ economic well-being, offering a nuanced understanding of the challenges they face. As such, the SPM is often considered more comprehensive than the official poverty measure when assessing senior poverty.
Using the SPM, we see that the senior population replaced children as the age group with the highest poverty
The supplemental poverty measure shows poverty among seniors at 12.8%, just slightly higher than the 12.5% rate for children under 18. The fact that the senior poverty rate has surpassed childhood poverty rates is significant because it highlights the challenges faced by a vulnerable demographic that has limited earning potential and often relies on fixed incomes. This trend underscores the importance of addressing issues related to retirement security, healthcare access and social safety nets to ensure the well-being of our aging population and reduce economic disparities among different age groups.
Using the Supplemental Poverty Measure Individuals age 65+ have higher poverty rates than children under 18
Supplemental vs. Traditional Poverty Measure for All Persons and by Age, U.S.
Traditional poverty rate
Supplemental poverty measure
Factors in cost of living • Adds noncash benefits to total income • Subtracts relevant costs
We’ve put research into action – with UWM’s 211 Contact Center now taking calls as an Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and making updates to our investment priorities.
In our last fiscal year ending June 30, 2023, callers 65+ represented 9% of all 211 callers. Of these senior callers, 70% are aged 65 to 75. While housing and utilities traditionally represent the most significant caller needs across age categories, income support and assistance represented the largest need category for seniors. This is partially because 211 schedules tax appointments in partnership with AARP.
Recognizing the unique challenges among seniors and growth of this population, 211 identified individuals age 65+ as a target population for services and continues to seek opportunities to increase access to services for this population.
Since July 2023, 211 has served as a vital lifeline for seniors and individuals with disabilities seeking information and assistance by taking calls as an ADRC. As a central access point, 211 can efficiently connect callers to a myriad of essential services such as healthcare, housing, transportation and social support tailored to the specific needs of aging and disabled populations. Many seniors and individuals with disabilities face unique challenges and require specialized resources, making 211’s role as an ADRC indispensable in providing targeted assistance. By serving as a comprehensive resource hub, 211 contributes significantly to enhancing the well-being and quality of life for aging and disabled individuals, ensuring they have access to the support services crucial for maintaining independence and dignity.
Furthermore, based on this research, we’ve updated our investment priorities for the upcoming investment cycle. UWM has prioritized the senior population in its upcoming investment cycle – recognizing the unique challenges faced by this demographic, particularly in the realm of food security. With a growing aging population, there is a heightened need to address issues such as limited mobility, fixed incomes and health-related challenges that impact seniors’ access to nutritious food. By emphasizing food assistance programs, United Way aims to ensure that seniors, often vulnerable to food insecurity, receive the support they need to maintain optimal health and well-being. This strategic focus aligns with the organization’s commitment to addressing disparities within the context of our mission.
For more information about strategic updates to our investment process, click here.
SOURCES
American Community Survey, 2021. Table S101: Age and Sex.
December 2015 Nebraska County Population Projections, CPAR @ UNO; Custom Calculations from 2019 5-Year ACS Public Use Microdata Sample, U.S. Census Bureau. Data compiled by David Drozd.
American Community Survey, 2021. Table S1701: Poverty Status in the Last 12 months.
The Supplemental Poverty Measure: 2019 (Report P60-272), U.S. Census Bureau. Senior Population Data: December 2015 Nebraska County Population Projections, CPAR @ UNO; Custom Calculations from 2019 5-Year ACS Public Use Microdata Sample, U.S. Census Bureau. Compiled by David Drozd. The supplemental poverty measure provides a more comprehensive understanding of poverty by accounting for additional factors such as government assistance and cost-of-living variations, making it a more accurate gauge of economic hardship than the traditional poverty measure.