California's Elderly Population Jumps By 212%

CALIFORNIA -- California's population of adults over the age of 60 is growing at a rapid pace, according to a recent report released by the state Department of Aging. The report found between 1970 and 2016, the Golden State saw a 212 percent increase in elderly residents, growing from 2.5 million to 7.8 million.

"By 2030, when all of the Baby Boomers have reached age 60, there will be an estimated 10.9 million older Californians," the report stated. "While 604,139 Californians were 85 or older in 2010, projections indicate that by 2030 over 1 million individuals will be in this age group, a 70 percent increase.

Researchers believe the rapidly growing population is due to individuals living longer than in the past and Baby Boomers being a larger generation than others.

Overall, the generation is also more diverse than in those past, the report found.

"While 57 percent of older adults were white/non-Hispanic in 2016, it is anticipated that by 2050 the majority of older adults will be from racial, ethnic, and cultural diverse groups," the report said.

However, researchers warned the growing population will affect the "economic, housing, transportation, health, and social support of the state" with lawmakers needing to plan for the state's overall infrastructure changes.

Read the full report here.