It’s Official, Maine Has the Oldest Population in the U.S.

Maine, we're known for things like beautiful landscapes, coastlines, seafood and now....old people. Now if you happen to fall in the bracket of a baby boomer, know that 70 is the new 50, and you are probably aging gracefully.

Now that we've got that out of the way, who's a bit surprised? My initial reaction was that I was certainly caught off-guard, but after I thought about it some more, it's not a complete shock.

According to USA Today, the median age group in Maine is 45.1, having Maine ranked #1 state with the oldest population. The additional data from the U.S. Census Bureau also showed that a significant portion of Maine's residents are 65 and older. Let's break down some potential factors for that:

1. Snowbirds

You probably know a snowbird from Maine. Just in case you're scratching your head, a snowbird is one that "flies" south to a warmer destination during the colder months and back north during the uncomfortably hot months in the south. I have encountered a fair amount of these lucky creatures.  Many of them will keep their home here as their main address, even though they live in Florida or another warm part of the country for several months out of the year.

2. Rural Setting and Quality of Life

Maine is rural with lots of natural beauty. Those two factors alone have attracted retirees seeking a slower pace of life, tranquility, and access to outdoor activities.  Our gorgeous coastal towns and fall foliage are a few more factors that make it an appealing destination for those in their golden years.

3. Healthcare Facilities and Services

Access to quality healthcare is crucial for the older folks, and Maine has worked hard to provide quality healthcare services. We are home to numerous healthcare facilities, ensuring that seniors have access to medical care, specialized treatments, and assisted living options.

With those factors in play, Maine isn't perfect, and we will continue to have some challenges like all states. But as long as there continues to be focus on things like social security, healthcare, and addressing social challenges head-on, Maine can continue to lead the way in creating an age-friendly environment that benefits both the elderly and the generations to come.

Now for those of you who were thinking that Florida would take the cake on this stat, you weren't far off, as the Sunshine State ranked at #2.