Facts About Aging

The older population--persons 65 years or older--numbered 37.9 million in 2007 (the most recent year for which data are available). They represented 12.6% of the U.S. population, over one in every eight Americans. The number of older Americans increased by 3.8 million or 11.2% since 1997, compared to an increase of 12.9% for the under-65 population. However, the number of Americans aged 45-64 - who will reach 65 over the next two decades - increased by 38% during this period.

21.9 million women are members of the Aging Club...16.0 million members are men in 2007. HOOAH 4 HEALTH salutes all members of the Aging Club. If you would like to participate, please send us an email regarding your aging experiences. We are all potential members, and can benefit from your expertise.

Did you know that: The life expectancy at birth in the year 2007 was projected as 78 years old. 80,771 centenarians were counted in the 2007 Census, and an estimated 1.1 million American centenarians are expected to be counted on November 1, 2050. Persons 65 years or older numbered 37.9 million in 2007. Households containing families headed by persons 65+ reported a median income in 2007 of $24,509. In 2007, 5.8 million Americans age 65 and over were in the work place, constituting 3.8% of the total U.S. labor force. The percentage of men was 20.5% and women 12.6% 80% of those 65 years and over own their own homes. In 2007 more than 670,000 grandparents aged 65 or over maintained households in which grandchildren were present. The education of the older population is increasing. In 2007 about 19.2% had a bachelor's degree or more. In 2004, the aging club had 47,000 enrolled in college. 70% of those 65+ voted in the 2006 Congressional elections, higher than any other age group. Want more facts?