Connecticut and New England outpaced Florida for gains in residents in the most active stages of their retirement years, the Census Bureau says, as the state and region continue to grow older.

There are now 582,815 people age 65 to 84 in Connecticut, the Census Bureau estimates, a 3.44 percent gain over the 12 months through June of 2022. That was slightly ahead of Florida's 3.37 percent gain for people in the most active window of their retirement years.

This age group represents about 16 percent of the overall state population of 3.6 million residents. The median age of a Connecticut resident is now 40.9, up slightly from 2021.

And while it's unclear whether Connecticut is becoming a more desirable retirement state, the shift comes as the state is moving to expand access to adult day centers that provide a relief valve for families with elderly members needing around-the-clock care and supervision.

New Hampshire led the Northeast with a 4.5 percent increase in residents from 65 to 84, with residents there not subject to inheritance or estate taxes as the case with Florida, the Carolinas and other retiree magnets in the South.

The Census Bureau bases its updated population estimates on the 2020 census and intervening surveys, creating the possibility of errors as poll results are extrapolated to the wider population. The data does not distinguish between changes in population across income brackets, and whether changes are the result of people moving between states; spending more time in one among the subset of the population with multiple homes; or differing mortality rates.

While states have a vested interest in keeping seniors in place who contribute community roots and tax revenue, an aging population places more pressure as well on Connecticut agencies that provide varying social services. At the Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging, expenses spiked 11 percent over 12 months through September 2022, with much of the $1.3 million increase the result of home care services SWCAA provides in coastal Fairfield County and several towns inland.

In early June, Gov. Ned Lamont signed into law a bill that would increase access to day care centers in Connecticut that provide varying services, freeing up time during the day for family members or other caregivers.

"Often they're cared for at night and on the weekend by their family members, but during the day they don't have the ability — because

they're at work — to care for that senior," said state Rep. Dorinda Borer, D-West Haven, speaking to members of the Connecticut General Assembly in May as the bill was finalized. "The elder population in Connecticut is about 24 percent and growing, so this is really going to impact all of our communities."