July 29, 2024
California’s Aging Landscape: The Growing Importance of Villages
As we approach 2030, California’s demographic landscape is changing dramatically, emphasizing the crucial role of village communities in supporting our aging population.
According to a recent presentation from the California Department of Aging, the state’s older adult population will continue to grow, making up an increasingly larger share of California’s residents.
- By 2030, 10.8 million older adults will call California home, representing 25% of the population.
- By 2060, adults 60+ are projected to be nearly a third of the state’s population, up from 14% in 1980.
- The 80+ age group is expected to grow from 2% in 1980 to about 10% by 2060.
This demographic transformation presents a complex set of opportunities and challenges for our communities. While we celebrate increased longevity, we must also address the evolving needs of our aging population:
- The growth isn’t uniform across the state. Some regions, including Sacramento, the San Joaquin Valley, and Southern California, are projected to see significant increases in their older adult populations.
- Increasing diversity: By 2060, Hispanic older adults are projected to make up 40% of the state’s 60+ population, up from 25% in 2020 and the Asian community will represent 17% of older adults.
- Growing linguistic diversity across counties highlights the need for culturally sensitive care – a cornerstone of the village model.
In the face of these projections, village are poised to play a pivotal role in supporting California’s older adults. Our unique model offers tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of our aging population:
- Rooted in local communities and cultures.
- Provide personalized, culturally appropriate support.
- Offer a community-based approach to aging services.
Village Movement California remains committed to expanding our network statewide, ensuring every older Californian has access to the community support they need to thrive. Together, we can build a future where aging is celebrated and supported in every community across our diverse state.
