The increase in Ohio's older population is so far outpacing overall growth that a new projection forecasts that 22 percent of the state's residents will be 65 or older in less than two decades.
The study for the state by the Scripps Gerontology Center at Miami University says the baby boomer-fueled graying poses increasing challenges for Ohio officials. The need for long-term services is expected to mount as the number of people 85 and older grows from 260,000 today to some 675,000 by 2050.
A report co-author, Robert Applebaum, says Ohio is facing a dramatic demographic change. But he also says the state has been taking steps for years to look ahead and improve availability of senior services.
The Associated Press obtained the study in advance of public release.