We launch a four-day series Sunday that examines how the aging of the baby boom generation soon will affect Maine, which already is one of the oldest states in the nation.

This is no feature series. Our daily packages examine how baby boomers nearing retirement in Maine will impact: the health-care industry; real estate; the workplace; and, public policy.

Reporters Colin Hickey, Alan Crowell and Susan Cover spent weeks working on the series. Stacy Blanchet built the graphics and timelines, and is designing the pages.

If you want a clue as to what our reporters found, I will tell you profound changes are in store. The fact that Maine boomers are nearing retirement, and Maine doesn't have as many young adults behind this generation as most states do, will profoundly affect our state's future.

Be sure to pick up a Morning Sentinel or Kennebec Journal starting Sunday.