Older Residents Boost State's Economy

Older Montanans are doing their part to boost the state by generating $19.6 billion in economic activity annually, according to an AARP financial analysis.

The state’s residents age 50-plus account for 39 percent of the population of just over 1 million, but they drive 42 percent of the state’s gross domestic product, the Oxford Economics analysis for AARP found.

Half of Montana’s jobs are supported by this “longevity economy,” which combines all economic activity driven by people 50-plus, their consumer spending and its ripple effects.

This contribution is “far more than people realize,” said Tim Summers, AARP Montana state director. “Policymakers need to recognize the value of contributions smade by older Montanans.”

For more on this economy, see aarp.org/longevityeconomy.