Hicks A big, not-so-beautiful mess Aging America faces its largest crisis outside of war
The U. S. Census Bureau's recent data reveals that the population of older adults is growing faster than other age groups, raising alarms about future support for these individuals. Currently, older Americans outnumber children in 11 states, and their numbers are projected to increase significantly in the coming decades. The AARP warns that cuts to Medicaid and SNAP could leave millions of seniors without essential health care and food assistance.
Specifically, 11 million adults aged 50 and older relied on SNAP in 2023, while over 17 million low-income Americans aged 50 and older depended on Medicaid. As the population of those 65 and older is expected to rise from 61. 2 million in 2024 to nearly 95 million by 2060, the pressure on funding these programs intensifies. Younger taxpayers may face a heavier burden as the ratio of working-age individuals to retirees narrows. With proposed budget cuts threatening care quality in nursing homes, AARP urges lawmakers to reconsider these measures.
Immediate legislative action is necessary to address the impending crises in health care and food security for older Americans.