In 2008, there were 38.4 million people 65 years of age and over in the U.S.
(In 1900, there were only 3 million people 65 years of age and over in the U.S.; and in 2000, there were 35 million people 65 years of age and over in the U.S.)

By 2030, there will be approximately 72 million people in the United States who will be 65 years of age and over.

Aging Population Trends in the U.S.

• 1900 -- 4 percent of the population was 65 years of age and over;
  40 percent of the population was children and youth
• 2000 -- 12.5 percent of the population was 65 years of age and over;
  24 percent of the population was children and youth
• 2030 -- 21 percent of the population is projected to be 65 years of age and over
  19 percent of the population is projected to be children and youth

In 2004, there were 100 men for every 130 women, 65 years of age and over in the U.S.

The median age in the U.S.:
1790 -- 16 years
1860 -- 20 years
1950 -- 30 years
2000 -- 36 years
2030 -- 42 years (projected)

Diversity in Aging Population in the United States (people 65 years of age and over)
2003
83% Non-Hispanic White
8% African American
6% Hispanic
3% Asian American

Projected 2030 (people 65 years of age and over)
72% non-Hispanic White
11% Hispanic
10% African American
5% Asian American

In 2006, life expectancy reached 78 years at birth in the U.S. Persons reaching age 65 have an average additional life expectancy of 18.5 years.

Life expectancy:
Iron Age (thousands of years ago) -- 18 years
Roman Empire -- 30 years
1906 -- 48 years
2006 -- 78 years

In The United Methodist Church . . .
. . . 55 percent of the members are 50 years of age or older
. . . 57 years is the average age of UM membership
. . . nearly 1/3 of the members are 65 years of age or over

Fewer Workers Per Retiree in the U.S.
1950 -- 9 workers per retiree
2000 -- 3.3 workers per retiree
2030 -- 2 workers per retiree (projected)

Nursing Home Residents in the U.S.
7.4% of people 75 years of age and over lived in nursing homes in 2006
(10.2% in 1990)
16% of people 85 years of age and over lived in nursing homes in 2006
(21% in 1985)

In 2009, 34% of people 65 years of age and over in the U.S. survive on Social Security benefits alone (having no pension or savings benefits)

In terms of subjective age, older adults tend to feel about 13 years younger than their chronological age, and many believe that they look 10 years younger than their numerical age.

While people 65 years of age and over represent 13 percent of the U.S. population, this group as a whole consumes one-third of the healthcare services and occupies half of all physicians' time.

There are approximately 42,000 pediatricians in the U.S. but only about 7,500 geriatricians.

Internet usage among people 65 years of age and older has increased from 12% in 2000 to 37% in 2007.

There are about 5 million cases of elder financial exploitation annually.

Data Compiled by:
Richard H. Gentzler, Jr., DMin.
Director, Center on Aging & Older Adult Ministries
General Board of Discipleship, The United Methodist Church
Email: rgentzler@gbod.org
Phone: 615-340-7173

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