Population Trends
- The U.S. population is older than ever: Between 1980 and 2022, the median age increased from 30.0 to 38.9 years, with one-third of states reporting a median age above 40; Maine (44.8) and New Hampshire (43.3) lead this trend.
- The older adult population is rapidly expanding: In 2020, 1 in 6 Americans were 65 or older, a significant rise from 1 in 20 in 1920. By 2030, this ratio is projected to reach 1 in 5.
- Older adults are becoming more racially and ethnically diverse: Between 2022 and 2050, the proportion of non-Hispanic white individuals among the older population is expected to decline from 75% to 60%.
- Many seniors live in care communities: Out of the 55.8 million elderly adults in the U.S. aged 65 and older, around 2.1 million reside in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
Health Challenges
- Chronic conditions are prevalent among older adults: Approximately 95% have at least one chronic condition, and nearly 80% have two or more, leading to increased healthcare costs and impacting quality of life.
- Falls are a leading cause of injury: One in four older adults falls each year, resulting in 3 million emergency department visits annually.
- Physical activity levels are low: In 2019, only 23.1% of adults aged 65 and older met federal physical activity guidelines, which recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly, along with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days.
- Oral health issues are common: In 2022, 36.3% of older adults had not seen a dentist in the past year, and about 13.2% experienced complete tooth loss, affecting nutrition and overall health.
- Behavioral health concerns are significant: One in four older adults experiences behavioral health issues such as depression, anxiety, or substance abuse, which can complicate the treatment of other medical conditions and reduce quality of life.
- Visual impairments are common:Over a quarter of U.S. adults aged 71 and older experience some form of visual impairment.
Positive Developments
- Educational attainment has increased: In 1965, only 5% of older adults had completed four years of college or more; by 2023, this figure rose to 33%, reflecting improved access to education over time.
- Labor force participation among older adults is rising: By 2022, 24% of men and about 15% of women aged 65 and older were in the labor force, with these levels projected to rise further by 2032.
- Poverty rates have declined: The poverty rate for Americans aged 65 and older has dropped sharply over the past 50 years, from nearly 30% in 1966 to 10% today.
- Independence among older adults has improved: More older adults can meet their daily care needs, with a shrinking share living in nursing homes and assisted living settings compared to a decade ago.
Economic and Policy Challenges
- Economic disparities persist among older adults: In 2022, 17% of Latino and 18% of African American older adults lived in poverty, more than twice the rate of non-Hispanic whites (8%).
- The demand for elder care is increasing: The number of Americans living with Alzheimer's disease is expected to more than double by 2050, from 6 million today to 13 million.
- Social Security and Medicare expenditures are rising: These expenditures are projected to increase from a combined 9.1% of gross domestic product in 2023 to 11.5% by 2035, reflecting the growing financial demands of an aging population.
Life Expectancy and Mortality
- Life expectancy has declined recently: U.S. life expectancy at birth declined by 2.4 years between 2019 and 2021, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors, rebounding slightly in 2022 to 77.5 years.
- Obesity rates among older adults have increased: Between 1988-1994 and 2015-2018, the share of U.S. adults aged 65 and older with obesity nearly doubled, increasing from 22% to 40%, contributing to various health challenges.
- COVID-19 has disproportionately affected older adults: As of August 2024, 76.3% of all deaths from COVID-19 were among those aged 65 and older, highlighting the heightened vulnerability of this age group to infectious diseases.
