Aging and the Central Coast’s health care shortage

Young caregiver helping senior woman walking.

Aging and the Central Coast’s health care shortage

In this three part series, Beth Thornton examines the healthcare challenges facing the Central Coast as its population ages. It uses in-depth storytelling and data analysis to explore topics including nurse shortages, memory care and possible solutions. Beth reported this series as a project for the USC Annenberg Center for Health Journalism 2021 Data Fellowship, who contributed funding, training and mentorship.

Health, Science and Technology

The impact of an aging population: a growing need for memory care as the Central Coast ages

Beth Thornton

As the population ages, cases of Alzheimer's and dementia will increase on the Central Coast.
Health, Science and Technology

The impact of an aging population: nurse shortages on the Central Coast

Beth Thornton

Educating more nurses on the Central Coast could help with future health care needs.
Health, Science and Technology

The impact of an aging population on Central Coast health care and health care workers

Beth Thornton

According to the Public Policy Institute of California, about one in five Californians will be over the age of 65 by the year 2030. On the Central Coast, in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, the number is projected to be even higher than 20%.