Statistical Information on the 65 and Over Population in the United States
Senior issues, such as health care, long term care, and protection against fraud, have become a more pressing national concern in the last few years, and will become even more important in the 21 st century. The combination of declining infant mortality, increased life expectancy, better medical technology, and the aging of the "Baby Boom" generation will produce a new "senior boom" in the next 30 years. According to 1998 estimates, in 2030 there will be nearly 70 million Americans over age 65, a full 20% of the population.
Table 1: Projections of Senior Population Increase, 1995-2030
|
Projected population: 1995 |
Projected population: 2030 |
| Total US population |
262.8 million |
346.9 million |
| Ages 55-64 |
21.3 million |
36.3 million |
| Ages 65-74 |
18.8 million |
37.4 million |
| Ages 75-84 |
11.1 million |
23.5 million |
| Ages 85+ |
3.6 million |
8.4 million |
| Total Ages 65+ |
33.5 million |
69.4 million |
Source: Aging into the 21 st Century, National Aging Information Center and the Administration on Aging
These seniors will need more money, services, and care than previous older generations. Caregiving is a very important concern for many seniors, and an issue that needs a lot of planning. Of special concern is the projected increase in the number of seniors over 85, the so-called "oldest old." There is a 233% increase projected in the 85+ population, and with that, an increase in the amount of direct caregiving that will be needed. According to 1990 statistics, only 1% of seniors in the 65-74 age range lived in a nursing home, while nearly 25% of the 85+ age group did. Only 9% of the 65-69 age group needed help with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, cooking or toileting, while 50% of the 85+ group did.
Those who are taking care of seniors will feel the effects of this aging of the population. An estimated 7 million Americans are taking care of an elderly relative, and a disproportionate number of these family caregivers are women. About 45% of these caregivers are also employed outside of the home, therefore possibly creating conflicts between work and home caregiving needs.
Financial considerations will also become more important with a larger group of seniors. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that there will be a 240% increase in expenditures on long term care. Seniors with long term care insurance, as well as additional assets besides Social Security, will be in a better position to deal with these financial challenges.
Table 2: Sources of Aggregate Income for Seniors, 1996
| Sources of Income |
Percentage of Total |
| Social Security benefits |
38% |
| Earnings |
21% |
| Assets |
20% |
| Private Pensions |
10% |
| Government Employee Pensions |
8% |
| Other |
3% |
Source: Fast Facts and Figures About Social Security, 1999
Seniors are also targeted by scam artists. Over 50% of people targeted by illegal telemarketers are over 50, according to the AARP. Seniors are also targeted for home equity scams, since many elderly people have a large amount of equity in their homes.
Where to find more detailed material for your state, county or metropolitan area
The US Administration on Aging ( www.aoa.gov ) has a lot of information for national and local areas, much of it drawn from US Census data. The Administration on Aging "Statistics on Older People" web page has links to the Census Bureau ( www.census.gov ), and Department of Health and Human Services ( www.dhhs.gov ) statistics. Your state, county or city department of the aging is the best source for regional information.
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) also provides information on seniors around the country, at www.aarp.org . The AARP also participates in another program, Financial Aspects of Aging Research, www.FAAR.org , which provides information on consumer expenditures, retirement income, and the economic security of seniors. The Social Security Administration ( www.ssa.gov ) provides data on the financial status of seniors, with and without Social Security benefits.
Other useful documents include:
Administration on Aging Profile of Older Americans: 1999
Hobbs, Frank B. and Bonnie L. Damon, 65+ in the United States, Bureau of the Census Current Population Reports, P23-190.