High-profile retirement destinations face challenges from aging populations, but smaller communities like Flathead County, Montana are experiencing issues as well. Data reveals that Montana ranks sixth in the nation for residents aged 65 and over, with 19.7% of the population in this age group. This demographic shift, termed a 'silver tsunami,' presents significant threats to local resources. Caregiver shortages and the limited availability of nursing home beds compound the problem, as Flathead County anticipates increased demand for elderly care and support services, risking overwhelming their community's capabilities.
The silver tsunami is no longer a hypothetical: it's arrived. Itâs important for the community to understand the reality that comes with that, she said. We're experiencing a rise in cognitive decline.
In 2024, Montana was home to roughly 17,000 caregivers providing an estimated 25 million hours of unpaid care, equating to a monetary value of around $478 million.
The acceleration of the population's aging could put the already strained resources of smaller communities like Flathead at risk of being overwhelmed.
The state's population of residents at or over the age of 65 is disproportionately higher than many other states, ranking No. 6 overall, with 19.7% of its population considered geriatric.
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