Schedule

Columbus, Ohio is the state capital and the largest city in Ohio, with a population

of

just

over 909,000 residents (Census Reporter, 2024). The city is known for its diverse economy,

renowned educational institutions, and growing healthcare system, which together make it a

hub for both younger and older populations in the region. Although Co

lumbus is frequently

associated with its younger population, largely due to The Ohio State University, the city also

has a steadily growing older adult population.

Adults ages 65 and older currently make up about 11

-

12% of the city’s total population

(U.S Census Bureau, 2024). Recent estimates show that about 9.8% of Columbus residents

fall

between ages 65 and 84, while about 1.2% are 85 or older (Neilsberg, 2025). This age group

reflects the city’s overall diversity, with White, African American, and Hispanic older adults

represented throughout the community. As this population grows, f

actors such as income level,

health status, and access to transportation and housi

ng are becoming critical in understanding

the needs of Columbus’s aging residents.

Col

umbus, Ohio is a large and

fast

-

growing

city with a lot of different resources for its

residents. The city is home to OSU, which brings not only

students

, but also jobs, research, and

cultural

opportunities

to the area

. Along

with

education,

Columbus has a diverse economy that

includes technology, insurance, government, and healthcare. These industries create stability

for the comm

unity and help offer services that support both younger and older residents. The

city has also made efforts to support older

adults

, specifically, such as

through the

Age

-

Friendly

Columbus and Franklin County Initiative, which focuses on making transportation, housing, and

social services more accessible for seniors (AARP, 2022).

Healthcare is one of the strongest assets in Columbus. The city

has major hospital

systems, including The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, OhioHealth, and Mount

Carmel Health System. These centers provide specialized care for chronic conditions,

preventative

services, and programs designed for older adults. Outside of hospitals, there are

also nonprofit groups, senior centers, and local organizations

that offer programs like meal

services, fitness, wellness classes, and caregiver support.

Additionally, public transportation is

available through the Central Ohio Transit Authority, which helps with mobility, though older

adults still may face accessibility challenges.

When looking at quality of life in Columbus, there are positives and negatives. The city

has schools, libraries, and community centers that give residents ways to

stay engaged. At the

same time, crime rates vary across neighborhoods. While overall violent crime is lower than in

some other Ohio cities, safety is still a concern,

especially in lower income areas (Axios, 2025).

Housing affordability is yet another challenge, particularly for older adults living on fixed

incomes, since many homes are

not d

esign

ed

to be age friendly.

2

In Columbus, adults 65 and over are faced with

numerous

health issues. Some of these

include depression, higher suicide rates,

heart disease

, and

various types of cancer

. According

to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services,

adults age 65 and over often

are untreated when they have depression

,

and

depression symptoms can stem from losing a

loved one or another large life change

(

Older Adults

, 2021

)

.

America’s Health Rankings proves

this health issue to be true due to their findings of 16.9% of adults age 65 and over

in Ohio

having some type of depression

(A

HR, 2023).

The depression in this community also leads to

another

health

issue of increased suicide rates.

Again, the Ohio Department of Mental Health

and Addiction Services mentions that members of

the 65 and over population in this region are

those at highest risk for suicide (

Older Adults

, 2021).

When it comes to other issues this community faces, cardiovascular disease is a large

one. Also known as heart disease, this

condition

is the leading cause of death in Ohio,

and

“rates are higher in adults aged 65 and older, people with disabilities, people with low income,

veterans, and those living in Appalachia” (

American Heart Month

, 2022). This

finding

from the

Ohio Department of Health proves that as we age our risk for heart dis

ease increases, and that

puts this community at greater risk for

the condition

.

Finally, cancer is

a prominent health issue that

individuals

in the 65 and over community

in Columbus, Ohio face. According to the Ohio Department of Health, those in

this age group

made up 49% of all cancer cases

during

2015

through

2019 and

accounted for 54% of

all

deaths

from cancer during this

time

(Cancer Across the Lifespan in Ohio, 2022).

These statistics show

that a large amount of

cancer

patients in Ohio belong to this age group

.

Thus, thi

s

demonstrates

that cancer is

a health issue that the community continues to face.