In Utah, the nation's youngest state, the Hispanic population is even younger. The median age of Utah's Hispanic population is estimated at 25.3, compared to Utah's overall median age of 30.2, according to the 2005 American Community Survey. The population over age 65 comprises about 8 percent of the state's population, and about 3.3 percent of the Hispanic population.

However, Utah is aging along with the rest of the nation and the state is going to see a split need for resources for seniors and schools, said Nels Holmgren, assistant division director of Aging and Adult Services.

Outreach to the Hispanic community has been difficult, in part because of a family-oriented culture that believes in caring for its own elderly. In some cases a language barrier exists, and communities may be reluctant to respond to programs if they aren't familiar with them.

But Holmgren said state and local agencies are determined to meet the needs of all aging Utahns. "It's a real challenge and also a great opportunity."

---

E-mail: dbulkeley@desnews.com