The Profile of Older Americans is an annual summary of the available statistics related to the older population in the United States. Principal sources of data are the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Center for Health Statistics, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The Profile illustrates the shifting demographics of Americans age 65 and older. It includes key topic areas such as income, living arrangements, education, health, and caregiving. This year's report includes special sections on obesity as well as aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening activities.
In addition to the full report, individual charts/graphs are available as image files. Also on this page are Excel tables from this and past years, along with previous years' profiles.
Select Highlights*
- Between 2008 and 2018, the population age 65+ increased 35%. It is projected to reach 94.7 million in 2060.
- The number of Americans age 45-64—who will reach age 65 during the next
two decades—increased by 7% between 2008 and 2018. - Racial and ethnic minority populations have increased from 7.5 million in 2008
to 12.3 million in 2018, and are projected to reach 27.7 million in 2040. - In 2019, 69% of older men and 47% of older women were married.
- As of 2019, about 28% of older persons lived alone. Among women age 75+, 44% lived alone.
- The median income of older persons in 2018 was $34,267 for men and
$20,431 for women. - In 2018, the percentage of older adults age 85+ who needed help with personal care (21%) was more than twice the percentage for adults ages 75–84 (8%) and five times the percentage for adults ages 65–74 (4%).
- The 85+ population is projected to more than double from 6.5 million in
2018 to 14.4 million in 2040.
*The Profile incorporates the data available. Not all data are updated annually. A complete list of data sources appears at the end of the report