2009 Edition of “Profile of Older Americans” now available

Profile of Older Americans–2009

This popular brochure contains the latest key statistics on olderAmericans. It includes both narrative and statistical charts. The 2009edition is only available online. Get it here.

The following are some of the highlights of the Profile of Older Americans.

* The population 65 and over will increase from 35 million in 2000 to40 million in 2010 (a 15% increase) and then to 55 million in 2020 (a36% increase for that decade).

* The 85+ population is projected to increase from 4.2 million in 2000to 5.7 million in 2010 (a 36% increase) and then to 6.6 million in 2020(a 15% increase for that decade).

* The number of Americans aged 45-64 – who will reach 65 over the next two decades – increased by 31% during this decade.

* In 2008, 19.6% of persons 65+ were minorities–8.3% wereAfrican-Americans. Persons of Hispanic origin (who may be of any race)represented 6.8% of the older population. About 3.4% were Asian orPacific Islander, and less than 1% were American Indian or NativeAlaskan. In addition, 0.6% of persons 65+ identified themselves asbeing of two or more races.

* Minority populations are projected to increase from 5.7 million in2000 (16.3% of the elder population) to 8.0 million in 2010 (20.1% ofelders) and then to 12.9 million in 2020 (23.6% of the elders).

* About 3.7 million elders (9.7%) were below the poverty level in 2008which is not statistically different from the poverty rate in 2007(9.7%).

* About 471,000 grandparents aged 65 or more had the primary responsibility for their grandchildren who lived with them.