Between 1980 and 2000, Washington state’s population grew by 42 percent.40 The population is projected to grow another 27 percent by 2020. While the increase in Washington state’s total population will be significant, the projected increase in the elderly portion of its population is staggering. Washington’s over-65 population grew by 59 percent between 1980 and 2000. It is projected to grow another 93 percent by 2020. Persons over 65 are known to require up to twice as many health care resources than those under 65.

In addition, there are currently 182,000 people in Washington over age 80. The state population forecast predicts this number will more than double to 429,000 by 2030. Many 65-year-olds are perfectly healthy. However, this oldest group of our population is particularly significant in consumption of health care resources.

These demographic trends show that even if the workforce is sustained at current levels, not enough health care workers will be available to provide care. If actions are not taken to develop a solid health care workforce, the health care delivery system will be imperiled, particularly for some of our state’s most vulnerable citizens, our seniors. This section provides state and, in some places, national data showing the growing shortage in several types of health care personnel.