The Silver Tsunami

This report addresses the problem of New Hampshire’s aging population. Major demographic changes in recent years will dramatically shift the population breakdown of the Granite State, particularly as the Baby Boomers approach retirement. In this report, we examine these trends and propose solutions for New Hampshire policymakers to combat proactively the relative rise in the elderly population and the decline in the young and middle age demographics. We begin by discussing the general trends and problems facing the state. We then break down the report by policy arena, focusing on education, transportation, housing, business development, and New Hampshire’s image compared to other states. In each section, we highlight trends specific to the policy area before diving into solutions the state can employ to help mitigate the socioeconomic consequences caused by a dramatic shift in the population pyramid. We conclude by exploring areas for future research and policy development.