As the number of people in the United States age 65 and older increases, we are faced with challenges and opportunities in every aspect of our society. Policymakers, businesses, healthcare providers, and families must make new decisions that will meet the needs of our aging population. The aging individual has the opportunity to live a longer and healthier life than ever before. This opportunity can bring adventure and optimism to the later years.
A diverse aging population, alternative methods of health care, nutrition, physical activity, spiritual growth, social activity, lifelong learning, leisure pursuits, second and third careers, and volunteerism are important factors in healthy aging. These factors impact aging Americans and those individuals with whom they interact. Consider the following facts (Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics, 2016):
- There are an estimated 40 million people age 65 and older, accounting for 15% of the total U.S. population.
- The number of older Americans has increased more than tenfold since 1900.
- In 2011, the "baby boom" generation began to turn 65, and by the year 2030, it is projected that one in five people will be age 65 or older.
- The population age 85 and older is currently the fastest-growing segment of the older population. In 2000, an estimated 2% (4 million people) of the population was age 85 or older. The size of this age group is projected to increase to almost 5% (19 million people) of the population by the year 2050.
- There were about 65,000 people age 100 or older in 2000, and the number of centenarians is projected to grow quickly so that there may be as many as 381,000 by 2030.