Is Central Ohio Ready for Retirement?

Get ready for retirement, because it’s coming: while not everyone in Central Ohio is ready to clock out for the last time, the region will soon have more residents reaching the age of 65 than starting kindergarten. It’s a situation with enormous implications for employers, school districts, healthcare providers, and taxpayers. The 65+ age group of Franklin County residents is the fastest growing segment of the county’s population, increasing over 50% between 2010 and 2022. During that time, the number of kindergartners – the 0-4 age group – grew by just 2.4%. According to a Columbus Dispatch article published earlier this year, the median age nationally is now 39 years old, rising steadily from 37.2 in 2010 and 35.2 in 2000. Ohio’s average age is even higher at 39.6 years. What policy and infrastructure changes are needed now to meet the housing, transit, homecare and healthcare needs of what’s rapidly becoming most of us? What are the many implications of our region’s graying population, and when will the tide reverse? Is there a “silver lining” to this “silver tsunami,” as many seniors put off retirement, staying active and engaged in their communities longer than ever before? With a panel of regional experts, we unpack what’s driving the surge in Franklin County’s graying population, the profound implications for regional leaders, and how Central Ohioans – of every age – need to prepare now.

Featuring Chanda Wingo, Director, Franklin County Office on Aging; Katie White, Director, Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging; Dr. Holly Dabelko-Schoeny, Director of Research, The Age-Friendly Innovation Center, The Ohio State University College of Social Work; Kalitha Williams, Outreach and Advocacy Manager, AARP Ohio with Moderator Tasha Booker, Senior Vice President, External Engagement for City Year Inc.