Tag Archives for Census Data

New Census data reports the graying of U.S. population 

Published in RINewsToday on June 26, 2023

The nation’s population continues to gray and this is documented by a series of demographic profiles from the 2020 Census recently released. The release of this updated census data must be a wake-up call to Congress and federal and state officials who oversee aging programs and services.

According to Zoe Caplan, statistician demographer in the U.S. Census Bureau’s Sex and Age Statistics Branch, the U.S. population age 65 and over grew from 2010 to 2020 at the fastest rate since 1880 to 1890. The nation’s over-age-65 population grew nearly five times faster than the total population over the 100 years from 1920 to 2020, says Caplan in a May 25, 2023 posting on the agency’s website.

In her posting, Caplan says that in 2020, a whopping 1 in 6 people in the United States were age 65 and over. In 1920, this statistic was just 1 in 20. 

The 2020 Census reported that the older population increased by 50.9 million, from 4.9 million (or 4.7% of the total U.S. population) in 1920 to 55.8 million (16.8%) in 2020. This represents a growth rate of about 1,000%, almost five times that of the total population (about 200%).

Growth in older population spiked 2010-2020

According to Caplan, the older population has been growing for the past century but the decade before 2020 saw its fastest increase since 1880 to 1890. “From 2010 to 2020, the age 65 and over population experienced its largest-ever 10-year numeric gain — an increase of 15.5 million people. The next largest 10-year numeric increase, 5.7 million between 1980 and 1990, was less than half that size,” she says.

From 2010 to 2020, Caplan stated that the 65 and over population experienced the largest-ever percentage-point increase, from 13.0% to 16.8% of the total population. “Before 2010, it took 50 years (from 1960 to 2010)  for the nation’s older population’s share of the total population to grow by the same number of percentage points,” she said.

The 2020 Census Data reveals that while the nation’s population grew from 2010 to 2020, the size and rate varied by age groups for other age groups. The 65 to 74 age group was the largest of the older cohort groups, with 33.1 million people, representing over half of the age 65 and over population (or 1 in 10 Americans), she said.

“The 65 to 74 age group experienced the largest growth of any older age group the previous decade,” says Caplan, noting that its numbers grew by 11.4 million or (52.5%), increasing from 21.7 mil­lion in 2010 to 33.1 million in 2020.  

Caplan says that the 75-to-84 age group grew at about half that rate (25.1%) but is expected to pick up the pace in the next decade as baby boomers age into this group. Additionally, she noted that the 85-to-94 age group had a relatively slower growth (12.6%) than other older age groups, increasing from 5.1 million to 5.7 million.  The population 95 years and over also expe­rienced a large growth rate (48.6%), increasing from about 425,000 in 2010 to 631,000 in 2020, she added. 

The 2020 date also indicated that for those people age 70 and over, males experienced a larger percentage growth between 2010 and 2020 (42.2%) than females (29.5%). Meanwhile, the percentage of centenarians have grown 50% since 2010, the fastest recent census-to-census percent change for that age group.  

Finally, while the U.S. population age 65 and over population grew, the Census 2020 data indicated that the nation’s population remained relatively young when compared with other nations. Caplan noted that Japan has the largest percentage (28.5%) of older residents.  Many European countries, along with Canada and Hong Kong, have larger percentages of older residents than the United States, says Caplan, noting that the United States ranked 34th (16.8%) among these places.

Japan had the largest share (28.5%) of older residents. The United States ranked 34th (16.8%) among these places. Many European countries, along with Canada and Hong Kong, had higher shares of older residents than the United States, adds Caplan.

Nation’s median age creeps closer to Age 40

Just last week, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that the nation’s median age increased by 0.2 years to 38.9 years between 2021 and 2022.  Median age is the age at which half of the population is older and half of the population is younger.

“As the nation’s median age creeps closer to 40, you can really see how the aging of baby boomers, and now their children — sometimes called echo boomers — is impacting the median age. The eldest of the echo boomers have started to reach or exceed the nation’s median age of 38.9,” said Kristie Wilder, a demographer in the Census Bureau’s Population Division in a statement released on June 22, 2023.

“While natural change, nationally, has been positive, as there have been more births than deaths, birth rates have gradually declined over the past two decades. Without a rapidly growing young population, the U.S. median age will likely continue its slow but steady rise,” she says.

According to the statement, a third (17) of the states in the country had a median age above 40.0 in 2022, led by Maine with the highest at 44.8, and New Hampshire at 43.3. Utah (31.9), the District of Columbia (34.8), and Texas (35.5) had the lowest median ages in the nation. Hawaii had the largest increase in median age among states, up 0.4 years to 40.7.

No states experienced a decrease in median age. Four states — Alabama (39.4), Maine (44.8), Tennessee (39.1), West Virginia (42.8), and the District of Columbia (34.8) — had no change in their median age from 2021 to 2022.

Can Rhode Island cope with a population growing older?  

“It is no secret that the Rhode Island population is growing older,” says Maureen Maigret, Chair of the Aging in Community Subcommittee of the Long-Term Care Coordinating Council, whose Subcommittee was charged with looking at Rhode Island’s older population, its demographics, services and programs to assist them to age in place in the community along with identifying gaps in services. “We issued a comprehensive report in 2016 showing that persons age 65 and over in Rhode Island would go from 14.4% of the state population in 2010 to 25% by 2040,” she said.  

According to Maigret, the US Census 2021 estimates shows the state’s 65 and over population is now at 18% and some its communities have already reached 20%. “Our older population is also becoming more diverse. White older adults went from 93.4% in 2010 to 86.4% in 2021 (RI Healthy Aging Data Report.) while Hispanic older adults increased from 3.8% to 6.5%. Our Subcommittee continues to work to implement recommendations we made in nine different areas important for aging in the community,” adds Maigret, noting that she has been working with advocates and legislative champions to implement and put them into law or practice.

“We have made some significant progress in expanding home care for those not impoverished enough to be on Medicaid, to expand respite services for caregivers and this year to fund the Office of Healthy Aging and Disability Resource Center. But we still have much more work to do,” says Maigret.

“I am especially concerned that studies show some 80% of persons age 65+ will not be able to afford two years of home care and many may need more than that. So that is something we need to address by changes in Medicaid and Medicare providing support for unpaid family caregivers who provide enormous amounts of long-term care to loved ones in need.  We also be providing more funding for local senior center programs that are shown to promote health and reduce social isolation with its negative health outcomes,” says Maigret.

Maigret says that funding for the Village Common of RI that, an organization that provides trained and vetted volunteers in local villages to provide supports such as transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, friendly visits, minor home tasks — all types of supports to help older adults remain in their own homes, should also be allocated. “More communities are interested in starting these types of volunteer programs of mutual support but funding is needed to support the infrastructure,” she advises.  

Maigret expresses concern that so many older Rhode Islanders are economically insecure. Twenty seven percent of older households are living on less than $25,000/year yet it costs an older Rhode Island couple in good health renting their home about $41,448 annually to meet basic living expenses (Elder Index).

“Economic insecurity is a special problem for older women who comprise 56% of the state’s 65 and over population and are more likely to live alone,” she says noting that their average Social Security checks amounts to $11,584 compared to $14,578 for men, and mean personal income for women is about $25,000 less than older males.

Maigret encourages state leaders to pay attention to these “age-related” demographics as they consider budget and policy priorities. And she would like to see each of the state’s communities assess their age-friendliness, like Newport, Cranston and Providence have done.” Other communities should follow Pawtucket’s lead of promoting fitness for older adults by creating  adult outdoor exercise area adjacent to its senior center or in local parks.

Addressing the State’s Shrinking Health Care Workforce

“The main focus in addressing issues related to meeting the needs of the state’s growing older population is to address the critical need for a robust healthcare workforce,” says John Gage, President & CEO of the Rhode Island Health Care Association.  “Reimbursement must support appropriate staffing levels at livable wages throughout the long-term care continuum – home care, assisted living residences and nursing facilities,” he says. 

“As the generations shift, there will be a greater need for long-term care supports and services with a shrinking workforce.  Sustainable funding is essential to the ability to provide this care, and it has never been more evident than today,” warns Gage.  “In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, current statistics from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate that Rhode Island’s nursing home workforce is down some 20% from pre-pandemic levels,” he says, stating a detailed analysis of the workforce for hospitals and nursing homes indicates that  nursing home RNs have declined by 16.5%, LPNs by 18.3% and CNAs by 25.4%.  It is estimated that, nationwide, recovery of the nursing home workforce will not occur until 2027 based on the small, incremental improvements quarter over quarter, adds Gage.

“Presently, 17% of our neighbors are aged 65 and older, and nearly a quarter (24%) are age 60 and above!  Recognizing this trend, we are actively engaged in anticipating and meeting the needs of our growing population of older adults in our state,” says Director Maria Cimini, of the Rhode Island’s Office of Healthy Aging.

“At numerous State and non-profit spaces, we are present to ensure that the needs of older adults are central to discussions surrounding  health care, housing, transportation, education, accessible communities, and caregiving,” she adds.

“We embrace the opportunity presented by the recently passed Legislative Commission to Study the Services and Programs for Older Adults to collaborate with Rhode Islanders working with seniors. Together, we will share our experience with aging populations, promote valuable resources, and identify what we all need to make RI a great place to grow up and grow old,” says Cimini.

For a copy of the 2020 Census Brief, “The Older Population: 2020,” go to https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/decennial/2020/census-briefs/c2020br-07.pdf.

For a copy of the LTCCC’s Aging in Community Subcommittee June 2016 Report, “Aging in Community” go to  https://www.rilegislature.gov/Reports/AiC%20Full%20Final%20Report%206.13.16.pdf.

For a copy of the LTCCC’s Aging Community Subcommittee December 2016 Strategic Plan, “Aging in Community, go to https://www.rilegislature.gov/Reports/Building%20an%20Age-Friendly%20Community.pdf.

For a copy of Rhode Island Healthy Aging Data 2020 Report, go to

Home

Freelance Economy Can Be Powerful Economic Engine

Published in Pawtucket Times on June 22, 2015

Last week, it took three days for Sign Painter Jayson M. Salvi to put the final touches on the façade of the Camera Werks on Hope St.   As he sat on the pavement printing the signage, passerbuyers would stop and chat, admiring his craft.

For the 41-year-old Salvi, his passion for sign painting began in high school, ultimately continuing in his eight year stint in the U.S. Navy.  Salvi says that he usually ended up painting logos and signs on doors wherever he was assigned.

With an honorable discharge from the Navy in 2000 and a degree in business administration he earned at Norfolk University while serving in the military, Salvi came to Providence to be near family.  He began his sign painting business at the former Providence-based Tazza Restaurant after an unsuccessful venture in the candle making business, followed by several retail jobs.  Word of mouth advertising about his artistic talent led to more freelance painting opportunities at the Trinity Brew House, RISD’s Second Life, a nonprofit student run recycling material center, and the Camera Werks, to name a few.

Working a full-time retail job pays for his health insurance, for him and his wife, Kate, a self employed photographer and card designer.     Salvi estimates that he pulls in around $30,000 a year from his freelancing.  “Try buying a Cadillac with that,” he says.  But in a blink of an eye he would leave retail forever to make a living from full-time sign painting, he says. “Self employed people do whatever they need to do to pay the bills to do the things they love to do,” he says.

Spotlight on Rhode Island Freelances

According to federal census data released last month, Salvi and his wife join over 73,700 sole proprietors in Rhode Island who earned a total of over $3.3 billion in annual income. These Ocean State residents are self-employed, sole proprietors, freelancers, independent contractors and non-employee small businesses, says Olon Reeder, of Olon Reeder Associates, a public relations consulting firm that represents self employed clients.  .

The federal census data, culled from 2013 sole proprietor income tax filings from the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, indicate that the top work performed by Rhode Island’s self employed workers included Professional/Technical/Scientific services; Other Non-Governmental services; Real Estate; Construction; and Health and Social services, says Reeder.

Reeder, 56, states that despite an improving jobs market in Southern New England [the latest state unemployment numbers drop to 5.9 percent, the lowest since 2007], it’s still very difficult for many unemployed Rhode Islanders to get back to full-time work.  But, the Ocean State has been able to maintain stable job growth, in particular, the state’s freelance workforce, says the North Providence resident and businessman.

Reeder, who has been a public relations consultant for almost 28 years, notes that many sole proprietors active in Rhode Island are “baby boomers” aged 50 and over that are turning to freelance work full time because they were laid off from regular work or early retirees; are encoring into lifelong ambitions they feel are essential in the marketplace; or are working for themselves out of necessity due to long term unemployment.

Nationally, the latest Census Data figures report that for 2013 there were 23 million Americans working solo earning $1 trillion in receipts, that’s up from 2011 figures, which showed at that time there were only 22.5 million people who worked for themselves and collectively earned at that time $989.6 billion, says Reeder..

”The latest figures, from 2013, also show that Rhode Island’s sole proprietors had receipts of $3.3 billion.,” Reeder adds, noting that when compared to similar numbers from 2011, self employment increased by 700 jobs over the last three years (over 200 annually) and income went up by $2 million over the last three years (over $300 thousand annually).

Interestingly, next door in Massachusetts, self employment went dramatically down in the “Bay State,” as Federal figures indicated that only 263,500 freelance workers in 2013, compared to the 471,800 solo workers employed in 2011. Earnings for Massachusetts independents also fell in 2013, with only $15.2 million in receipts, compared to $24.4 million in 2011, he said.

“Finally, Rhode Island has something we do best when it comes to our self-employed workers,” he says, noting that the state now rates better than its next door neighbor. “It’s something we can boast about,” he says.

Self-Employed, an Economic Engine

State and local politicians tend to focus their energy on attracting large companies to the state [like 38 Studios], but tend to ignore the self-employed, charges Reeder, a long time tireless and passionate advocate for self-employed workers.  “The self employed are a powerhouse that can no longer be ignored and must be reckoned with,” he says.

“Rhode Island’s self employed are a best kept secret that need to be taken advantaged of to improve our state’s long tern economic development and quality of life,”  says Reeder.  “Very few businesses create over 200 jobs a year and pay per capita per sole proprietor an average of over $44,000 a year. This is how the freelance economy is changing our lives,” he says.

With the ending of this years’ legislative session, Reeder calls on lawmakers to look down the road to investing in state’s self-employed work force.  Usually the General Assembly tackles the tax code to make it more business-friendly for large corporations or targeted industries without considering providing incentives or tax incentives to the state’s self employed.

Like previous years, Reeder opposes any revisiting of placing fees or expansion of sales taxes on services provided by the self-employed.   “There must be a level playing field for all business,” he says, ‘everyone should be treated equally.”.

Reeder believes Rhode Island has become a leader in growing its free lance work force and this could just become a powerful economic engine to revitalize the state’s  sputtering economy.

Herb Weiss, LRI ’12, is a Pawtucket-based writer covering aging, health care and medical issues.  He can be reached at hweissri@aol.com.