IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) – Iowa’s life expectancy is now in the 80s according to a University of Iowa study. It’s one part of a “megatrend” regarding age in the state. The report also finds Iowa now has the highest percentage of residents over 80. By 2030 those 65 and older could outnumber people 18 and younger. According to UI Professor of Health Policy & Research Brian Kaskie, the changes are thanks to resources Iowa has to offer that have made it a good place to grow older.

He says scattered across Iowa are age friendly areas that are especially accommodating for older Iowans. These areas have an abundance of resources like accessible healthcare facilities. However, the study also found Iowa’s younger population is shrinking. The state could be approaching a point where one in five Iowans are above 65 years old. That could lead to problems down the line, as more Iowans retire, there’s fewer people to fill their jobs.

This could result in older Iowan’s postponing their retirement to combat the worker shortage. Others may need to keep working out of necessity, as a longer life expectancy can also mean people needing to save more for a longer retirement. Not all could be able to work. Those 65 and older are more vulnerable to age-related conditions which could bar them from being able to work.