Tennessee's aging population includes a surge of centenarians
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There were about 1,200 Tennesseans who had hit their 100th birthday in 2020, according to Census data.
Why it matters: Centenarians are growing nationwide. They are part of a broader silver shift as medical and scientific breakthroughs expand lifespans.
The big picture: The number of people aged 100 or older in the U.S. grew by 50% from the 2010 Census to the 2020 count, per a new Census Bureau analysis.
Between the lines: That progress comes hand-in-hand with specific caretaking needs. Tennessee still has work to do to serve its elderly population, which is rapidly expanding.
Zoom in: From 2020 to 2024, the population of Tennesseans age 65 and older shot up 12.5%, according to Census data.
Yes, but: A 2022 report from the state comptroller found Tennessee already "has a critical shortage of paid caregivers who help elderly and vulnerable adults continue to live in their homes rather than in nursing facilities."
The latest: Last year, the state launched an Office of Healthy Aging to address the specific needs of people who are 60 or older.