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Figure 3. PopulationPyramid andDependencyRatios forArizona, 2050 (Projection)
Notes:
a
Dependency ratio= (Arizona residents 0 ? 14 years +Arizona residents 65+ years)/
Arizona residents 15 ? 64.
2.4Conclusion
Based on the population projections analyzed here, Arizona can expect a rapidly increasing
number of residents age 65 and olderwhowill come to account for a greater proportion of the
overall population than they currentlydo. This increasingpercentage ofArizonans age 65 and
olderwill bemore racially and ethnicallydiverse than the current population of older adults,
meaning specialized courses of intervention and treatment will need to be developed to address
health outcomes that disproportionately affect Hispanic andLatino older adults.
The confluence of these forces requires targeted and effective policies that will help reduce the
costs of the healthcare burden posed by a greater proportion of adults livingwith chronic
diseases associatedwith aging. To help guide these discussions, this report attempts to describe
the current health ofArizona?s older adult population, the patterns of their interactionswith the
healthcare system, and the common causes ofmortality theymust face. In doing so, we hope to
offer useful information to support the progression of health andwellness amongArizona?s
agingpopulation.
DependencyRatio
a
=66.6
