Population - Age 65+ in United States

United States

The demographics of a community influence the health needs and outcomes of its population. Understanding the demographic breakdown can help state health officials determine priorities for health promotion and disease prevention. 

The age distribution in the United States is shifting. In 2023, more than 59 million adults age 65 and older lived in the U.S., accounting for nearly 18% of the nation’s population. It is estimated that by 2040, there will be more than 78 million older adults age 65 and older, comprising 22% of the total population.

The demographics of the older adult population are also evolving. Historically, more women than men have lived past age 65, and while this trend will most likely continue, the age gap between men and women is expected to shrink in the coming decades. The older adult population will also become more racially and ethnically diverse. Projections indicate that the share of the older adult population that identifies as a racial or ethnic minority will increase from 25% to 40% by 2050.

Older adults generally face more complex health challenges than younger populations. These may include developing aging-related chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, cancer or arthritis, as well as struggling with finding their next meal, living safely in their home, getting enough sleep at night and accessing medical care. 

Caring for older adults can be challenging. In 2020, there were about 53 million caregivers in the U.S., approximately half of whom were taking care of a parent or parent-in-law. Most caregivers of older adults are spouses or adult children, but decreasing fertility and marriage rates and increasing divorce rates mean that many baby boomers will not have partners or children who can help them live independently as they age. This dynamic will put new and unique stresses on the health care system and challenge how our society currently cares for older adults.

AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving. “Caregiving in the United States 2020.” Washington, D.C.: AARP, May 14, 2020. https://doi.org/10.26419/ppi.00103.001.

Administration on Aging. “2023 Profile of Older Americans.” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living, May 2024. https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/Profile%20of%20OA/ACL_ProfileOlderAmericans2023_508.pdf.

Lunna Lopes, Alex Montero, Marley Presiado, and Liz Hamel. “Americans’ Challenges With Health Care Costs.” Updated March 1, 2024. KFF, July 14, 2022. https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/americans-challenges-with-health-care-costs/.

Suzuki, Keisuke, Masayuki Miyamoto, and Koichi Hirata. “Sleep Disorders in the Elderly: Diagnosis and Management.” Journal of General and Family Medicine 18, no. 2 (2017): 61–71. https://doi.org/10.1002/jgf2.27.

Vespa, Jonathan, Lauren Medina, and David M. Armstrong. “Demographic Turning Points for the United States: Population Projections for 2020 to 2060.” Current Population Reports. Washington, D.C.: U.S. Census Bureau, February 2020. https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2020/demo/p25-1144.html.