MONROE - The number of older people has increased in Green and Lafayette counties over the past decade, according to data from the 2010 census.
"These numbers will continue to grow," Linda Boll, supervisor of the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Southwestern Wisconsin, said.
Green County's population of people younger than 45 shrunk 4.7 percent from 2000 to 2010, while the number of people 45 and older increased almost 43 percent.
The median age for Green County in 2000 was about 37.5. But in 2010, the median age increased to 41.8.
Lafayette County's population of people younger than 45 shrunk 5.4 percent from 2000 to 2010, while the number of people 45 and older increased over 12 percent.
The median age for Lafayette County in 2000 was about 37.3; in 2010, the median age increased to 40.3.
Baby boomers
Citing data she received from the state, Boll said that by 2030, 70 million Americans will be 65 or even older, reflecting a nationwide trend as the post-war, Baby Boomer generation ages.
And in Green County, Boll said that by 2030, 21 to 24 percent of the population will be 65 or older.
"Wisconsin is aging faster than the national statistic," Boll said, adding that she in unsure why that's the case.
The aging of the population also is happening at the same time as the current "great recession," Boll said, making the transition especially difficult, because older people rely on many special services.
"This recession has influenced budgeting," Boll said. "It's affected the ability of federal, state and some local governments to support elderly services."
Other areas that might be affected by the aging population, Boll said, include transportation, housing and health care.
"It has been hard (to receive) support, especially at a time we need it the most," Boll said. "We will continue to do our best."
Terry Hensel, Pleasant View Nursing Home administrator, said older generations seem to be staying in the area for various reasons.
"There is a lot of family connection," Hensel said. "(Green County) is a safe area to live; it's a beautiful place to live."
Green County
According to census data:
n The median age range is 32.8 in the Village of Brooklyn, compared to 49.6 in the Town of Monroe.
n The City of Monroe saw the largest decrease of population between the ages of 25 and 44; a decrease of 424. However, there was an increase in the 45 to 59 age population of 380. The city's lowest population group was the 80 to 84 age group.
n The Village of Browntown saw the highest decrease in median age. The village went from a median age of 41.2 in 2000 to 36.4 in 2010.
n The Town of Mount Pleasant saw the highest increase in median age. The town went from a median age of 35.2 in 2000 to 45 in 2010.
Lafayette County
n The median age is 28.8 in the Town of Kendall and 48.3 in the Town of Argyle.
n The Town of Wiota saw the highest decrease of population in ages 25 to 44; a decrease of 92.
n The City of Darlington saw the highest increase of people between the ages of 45 and 59; an increase 116. The highest population group in the city is 25 to 29, with 190 people; while the lowest population group is between the ages of 70 and 74, with 82 people.
n The Town of Kendall saw the highest decrease in median age. The town went from a median age of 36 in 2000 to 28.8 in 2010.
n The Town of Wiota saw the highest increase in median age. The town went from a median age of 38.8 in 2000 to 46.8 in 2010
"These numbers will continue to grow," Linda Boll, supervisor of the Aging and Disability Resource Center of Southwestern Wisconsin, said.
Green County's population of people younger than 45 shrunk 4.7 percent from 2000 to 2010, while the number of people 45 and older increased almost 43 percent.
The median age for Green County in 2000 was about 37.5. But in 2010, the median age increased to 41.8.
Lafayette County's population of people younger than 45 shrunk 5.4 percent from 2000 to 2010, while the number of people 45 and older increased over 12 percent.
The median age for Lafayette County in 2000 was about 37.3; in 2010, the median age increased to 40.3.
Baby boomers
Citing data she received from the state, Boll said that by 2030, 70 million Americans will be 65 or even older, reflecting a nationwide trend as the post-war, Baby Boomer generation ages.
And in Green County, Boll said that by 2030, 21 to 24 percent of the population will be 65 or older.
"Wisconsin is aging faster than the national statistic," Boll said, adding that she in unsure why that's the case.
The aging of the population also is happening at the same time as the current "great recession," Boll said, making the transition especially difficult, because older people rely on many special services.
"This recession has influenced budgeting," Boll said. "It's affected the ability of federal, state and some local governments to support elderly services."
Other areas that might be affected by the aging population, Boll said, include transportation, housing and health care.
"It has been hard (to receive) support, especially at a time we need it the most," Boll said. "We will continue to do our best."
Terry Hensel, Pleasant View Nursing Home administrator, said older generations seem to be staying in the area for various reasons.
"There is a lot of family connection," Hensel said. "(Green County) is a safe area to live; it's a beautiful place to live."
Green County
According to census data:
n The median age range is 32.8 in the Village of Brooklyn, compared to 49.6 in the Town of Monroe.
n The City of Monroe saw the largest decrease of population between the ages of 25 and 44; a decrease of 424. However, there was an increase in the 45 to 59 age population of 380. The city's lowest population group was the 80 to 84 age group.
n The Village of Browntown saw the highest decrease in median age. The village went from a median age of 41.2 in 2000 to 36.4 in 2010.
n The Town of Mount Pleasant saw the highest increase in median age. The town went from a median age of 35.2 in 2000 to 45 in 2010.
Lafayette County
n The median age is 28.8 in the Town of Kendall and 48.3 in the Town of Argyle.
n The Town of Wiota saw the highest decrease of population in ages 25 to 44; a decrease of 92.
n The City of Darlington saw the highest increase of people between the ages of 45 and 59; an increase 116. The highest population group in the city is 25 to 29, with 190 people; while the lowest population group is between the ages of 70 and 74, with 82 people.
n The Town of Kendall saw the highest decrease in median age. The town went from a median age of 36 in 2000 to 28.8 in 2010.
n The Town of Wiota saw the highest increase in median age. The town went from a median age of 38.8 in 2000 to 46.8 in 2010