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Is the United States ready for an older workforce?

An aging population has transformed the local economy of Cumberland County, Tennessee. What lessons can be learned for the broader economy?
Malena Fisher at the Palace Theatre in Crossville, Tennessee, where retirees are the core customer base.
Maria Hollenhorst/Marketplace

In Crossville, Tennessee, higher living costs are a “hard pill” to swallow

Two community outposts in the town of Crossville aim to ease the stresses of seniors on fixed incomes.
The Save a Lot grocery store in Crossville, Tennessee, offers discount shopping for seniors five days a week.
Maria Hollenhorst/Marketplace

In Tennessee county, an aging population means business opportunity

Leisure activities are a big theme with Cumberland County's growing retirement community.
Fairfield Glade has become a popular retirement destination.
Andie Corban/Marketplace

Welcome to Cumberland County, Tennessee, the “future” of the U.S. economy

If demographics are destiny, then what’s happening here is eventually going to play out all over the country.
As the U.S. labor force ages, more and more places are going to look like Cumberland County, Tennessee. Above, a marine in Cumberland County that primarily serves retirees.
Maria Hollenhorst/Marketplace

“Retirement’s a wonderful invention — I just love it”

Jan 24, 2025
As part of our new series, “The Age of Work,” Marketplace is exploring the aging U.S. labor force.
John Conrad, one of Cumberland County’s many retired residents on the Soldier’s Beach Trail, which he helped build.
Maria Hollenhorst/Marketplace