Buncombe’s Silver Tsunami: As Growth in Residents Over 65 Soars, Funding for Services Doesn’t Keep Pace

Buncombe’s Silver Tsunami: As Growth in Residents Over 65 Soars, Funding for Services Doesn’t Keep Pace

A Silver Tsunami Hits Buncombe

A silver tsunami has washed over Buncombe County for nearly 25 years and shows no signs of receding. During the pandemic years of 2020-2022, adults over 65 accounted for an astonishing 96.1 percent of the increase in Buncombe’s population, according to the North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management. By 2036, one in four residents will belong to that cohort, the agency projects.

Growing Need for Aging Services

The influx of older adults has led to full pickleball courts, long waits at doctors’ offices, and increased demands for aging services such as housing, health, and transportation. However, funding for these services has not kept pace with the growing population. Annual funding has stagnated at about $2 million for the last seven years, leading to a strain on service organizations catering to older adults.

Population Trends

Since the turn of the century, Buncombe has experienced significant growth in residents over 65. In 2000, the cohort made up 15.3 percent of the population, rising to 22.6 percent today. The surge in the over-65 population will continue, with projections indicating a 40 percent increase by 2042.

National and Statewide Impact

The increase in older adults is not unique to Buncombe, as it mirrors similar trends statewide and nationally. The aging population is a result of greater longevity and the Baby Boomer generation hitting retirement age. Approximately 10,000 Baby Boomers retire daily, leading to a projected 26 percent of the U.S. population being over 65 by 2040.

Asheville as a Retirement Mecca

Asheville’s appeal as a retirement destination has been well-documented, attracting retirees with its scenic beauty and vibrant arts scene. The area’s recognition as a retirement haven has fueled its economic growth while putting a strain on aging services.

Challenges in Funding Aging Services

While Buncombe is updating its Age Friendly Action Plan to address the needs of older adults, funding for aging services remains a challenge. Efforts to secure more funding from the federal government and raise awareness about available services are underway to meet the growing demands for elderly care.

Statewide Efforts

The North Carolina Coalition on Aging is advocating for increased support for aging services at the state level. A multi-sector plan called “All Ages, All Stages NC: A Roadmap to Aging and Living Well” aims to address the impending challenges posed by the aging population.

As Buncombe County grapples with the implications of its aging population, efforts are underway to secure funding and enhance services to meet the growing needs of older adults.