WALK down the street in Orange and you’ll be more likely to spot someone aged over 55 than most other regional cities in NSW, according to census data likely to direct future spending towards the ageing population.

The 2006 census data shows some 8831 people aged over 55 are calling Orange home, making up a staggering 25 per cent of the city’s population.

That figure is higher than other regional centres such as Bathurst and Dubbo, where the over 55 population makes up 23.1 and 23.0 per cent of total residents respectively.

Adding to the concern facing Orange City Council and state and federal governments over future years is the fact 13,714 locals are expected to turn 55 within the next 30 years.

The seniors boom taking hold of the city has led to a significant number of aged care residential developments springing up over recent years, with two multi-million dollar villages to be built next year to cope with the demand while at the same time cashing in on the highly lucrative seniors’ dollar.

According to Landworks Property Fund director Jim Flaherty, who is behind the $12 million Bloom exclusive seniors village in north Orange, an ageing population means demand for services aimed at over 55s would inevitably increase over the coming years.

“At the end of the day Orange and other regional areas are all embracing this type of thing because there are more and more older people looking to be comfortable in where they choose to call home and, by the looks of things, a lot of those people are in Orange,” he said.

As a proud member of Orange’s over 55 population, resident Russell Moore said there would be an obvious need to look at the way the city deals with its elderly population.

However, according to Mr Moore, life in Orange is pretty good compared to other cities.

“There is a great deal of support groups, clubs, social groups but with most things, whether or not people are motivated to access it is another thing,” he said.

“I’m not terribly surprised by the number of over 55s in Orange. We have a great climate, a great lifestyle if we want it and we have some of the best medical services around.”

The 2006 census data showed the national average for people aged over 55 is 24.3 per cent compared to the 25 per cent living in Orange.