The U.S. Older Population Reaches a New Zenith As Baby Boomers Turn 65

The growth of the older population (65+) is increasing at an unprecedented rate in U.S. history. Improved medical care and prevention efforts are resulting in longer life spans. The aging of baby boomers (individuals born between 1946 and 1964) is also contributing significantly to this demographic trend. The older population is projected to make a big spike between the years 2010 and 2030, the period in which baby boomers will reach age 65.

According to current data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau, the population 65 years and over will increase from 35 million in 2000 to 40 million in 2010 (a 15% increase) and then to 55 million in 2020 (a 36% increase for that decade). By 2030, there will be about 72.1 million older persons in the U.S., almost twice their number in 2007 and roughly 20 percent of the U.S. population.

Resources on Older Americans

AoA collects and summarizes extensive data on older Americans. For more information on the characteristics of older Americans (including data on income, living arrangements, education, and health), visit these resources:

Widgets with Aging Statistics Now Available on AoA.gov

Currently AoA is featuring widgets that highlight critical data on older Americans. Widgets are automatically updated applications that can be easily posted to a Website or blog. To download AoA’s widgets with current statistics on older adults, visit the widgets section.

Last Modified: 5/12/2010 12:52:48 PM