Oregon Prepares for Major Aging Shift as Seniors Now Outnumber Children

As one of 11 states where senior citizens outnumber children, Oregon is now preparing for a permanent shift in its age demographics.

The State Has Released a Plan on Aging

Yesterday, the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) released the state’s 2026-2030 Plan on Aging, which outlines how people aged 65 and older, individuals with disabilities, and unpaid family caregivers will be served.

To qualify for federal funding, the plan is required under the Older Americans Act (OAA) of 1965.

There Are Four Focus Areas

Oregon’s State Plan on Aging focuses on four areas:

• Nutrition, disease prevention and health promotion, caregiver programs, and supporting Tribal elder rights.
• Pinpointing populations with the greatest economic and social needs.
• Ensuring access to home and community-based services.
• The provision of caregiving.

The U.S. Census Bureau says that Oregon became one of 11 states where adults 65 and older outnumber children in 2024, and the ODHS draft plan will prepare the state for that permanent age shift.

The plan has been developed by the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) in consultation with various ODHS commissions and councils, area aging agencies, tribal elders programs, and community organizations.

The APD aims to ensure that all individuals affected by the plan receive person-centered services, supports, and early interventions to help maintain independence and promote safety and wellbeing.

A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, June 10, at 10 a.m., at the ODHS offices, and public comment is open until Friday June 12.

To review the plan visit the (APD) community engagement webpage.

Comments can also be emailed to: [email protected].