The Senior Market: Some Facts

Here are three startling facts about the graying of America:

1. 6000 Americans will turn 65 every day until 2013.

2. By 2035, 70 million people in the U.S. will be 65 or older.

3. In 2003, more people will turn 50 than in any other year in history.

My question is this: "What are the implication of these three trends to your community or region?" It is vitally important that economic developers give greater attention to this new demographic reality as they structure economic solutions for their areas for the future.

We need to have more discussion of this issue and its implications for future economic development. The issue goes far beyond just shaping your community to become the next retirement mecca. It has implications for your future workforce, health care service delivery, shopping amenties, housing development and a host of other community and regional development issues.