The Aging Population Is Reshaping America: What It Means for Our Health, Economy, and Future | Caitlyn Wan Smith | Ep. 440

America is getting older—and the effects extend far beyond healthcare. As the proportion of older adults continues to grow, states must rethink everything from tax revenue and workforce participation to transportation, housing, healthcare, and long-term care.In this episode, Dr. Jeff Armstrong sits down with Caitlyn Wan Smith of The Pew Charitable Trusts to discuss Pew's recent issue brief, The Aging Population Is Changing States' Revenue, Spending, and Service Demand Outlook. Together, they explore how demographic shifts are transforming state finances, why longevity should be viewed as an opportunity rather than simply a fiscal challenge, and what policymakers can do today to prepare for an older—and hopefully healthier—population.This conversation moves beyond budgets to ask a larger question: How can communities create the conditions that allow people not just to live longer, but to age well? Whether you're interested in public policy, healthy aging, economics, or the future of your community, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the defining demographic changes of our time. Pew's brief notes that aging populations can reduce growth in income and sales tax revenue while increasing demand for services such as healthcare, long-term care, and transportation, making long-term planning increasingly important for states.Read the review at https://www.pew.org/en/research-and-analysis/issue-briefs/2026/07/the-aging-population-is-changing-states-revenue-spending-and-service-demand-outlook?utm_source=chatgpt.comPlease, support The Aging Well Podcast by hitting the ‘like’ button, subscribing/following the podcast, sharing with a friend, and….Tip Jar! All donations support this podcast to keep it going. https://paypal.me/theagingwellpodcastBUY the products you need to… age well from our trusted affiliates and support the mission of The Aging Well Podcast. (We receive commission on these purchases. Thank you.)The Aging Well Podcast merchandise | Show how you are aging well | Use the promo code AGING WELL for free shipping on orders over $75 | https://theagingwellpodcast-shop.fourthwall.com/promo/AGINGWELLAuro Wellness | Glutaryl—Antioxidant spray that delivers high doses of glutathione (“Master Antioxidant”) and the new Copper Tripeptide (GHK-Cu) | 10% off Code: AGINGWELL at https://aurowellness.com/agingwellpodcastNutritional Biochemical Inc. (NBI) | Trusted supplement. NBI stands 100% behind the quality of their formulations and the science on which they’re based. | Click the following link and use the discount code AGINGWELL for 10% off: https://shop.nbihealth.com/agingwellJigsaw Health | Trusted supplements. “It’s fun to feel good.” | Click the following link and use the discount code AGINGWELL for 10% off: https://bit.ly/4ks3Y0OBerkeley Life | Optimize nitric oxide levels | Purchase your starter kit at a 15% discount | Use the promo code: AGINGWELL15 | https://berkeleylife.pxf.io/c/6475525/3226696/31118Oxford Healthspan | Primeadine®, a plant-derived spermidine supplement | 10% off code: AGINGWELL | https://www.oxfordhealthspan.com/AGINGWELLKneeMo | A smart device programmed to reduce your knee pain and keep you moving. | Click the following link and use the discount code AGINGWELL15 for 15% off: https://thekneemo.com/ref/agingwellFusionary Formulas | Combining Ayurvedic wisdom with Western science for optimal health support. | 15% off Code: AGINGWELL | https://fusionaryformulas.com?sca_ref=9678325.IHg5xYhdOzzke8ZrDr Lewis Nutrition | Fight neurodegeneration and cognitive decline with Daily Brain Care by Dr Lewis Nutrition—a proven daily formula designed to protect and restore brain function. | 10% off code: AGINGWELL or use the link: https://drlewisnutrition.com/AGINGWELL