Understanding the Older Demographic in the United States

The rapid growth of America’s aging population is reshaping the country, making it essential to understand the needs and challenges of seniors. The “2023 Profile of Older Americans” report, published by the Administration on Aging (AoA), compiles data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Center for Health Statistics, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This report offers an in-depth look at the lives of Americans aged 65 and older. In an effort to better understand the older demographic in the U.S., the Indianapolis attorneys at Frank & Kraft discuss some key highlights from the report.

The Changing Demographics of Aging in America

As of 2022, the U.S. had 57.8 million people aged 65 and older, making up 17.3 percent of the total population. This represents a significant demographic shift. Over the past ten years, the senior population grew by 34 percent, from 43.1 million in 2012 to 57.8 million in 2022. This rise far exceeds the growth of the under-65 population and reflects the aging of the Baby Boomer generation. Projections suggest that by 2040, 22 percent of the U.S. population will be 65 or older, with the number of people aged 85 and older expected to more than double. In 2022, Maine, Florida, Vermont, and West Virginia had the highest percentages of seniors, each exceeding 21 percent. These states, along with others, are expected to see even greater increases in their senior populations in the coming years.

Marital Status and Living Conditions

There are notable differences between the marital status of older men and women. In 2023, 68 percent of men aged 65 and older were married, compared to 47 percent of women. This disparity is largely due to the longer life expectancy of women, resulting in a higher number of widowed women among the senior population. Among seniors living in the community, 59 percent lived with a spouse or partner. Although 88 percent of seniors express a desire to stay in their homes as they age, many face significant obstacles. Most homes in the United States are not designed to meet the needs of older adults, particularly those with mobility challenges or disabilities.

Financial Security and Challenges

Financial stability remains a major concern for many older Americans. In 2022, the median income for seniors was $29,740, with a stark gender gap: men had a median income of $37,430, while women had a median income of $24,630. Approximately 10 percent of seniors live below the poverty line, and 4.7 percent are classified as “near-poor,” with incomes just above the poverty threshold. Rising healthcare costs also pose a significant burden. In 2022, seniors spent an average of $7,540 on out-of-pocket healthcare expenses, a 47 percent increase from 2012. Health-related costs account for 13 percent of seniors’ total expenditures, compared to 8 percent for the general population. A large portion of these expenses goes toward insurance.

Health Issues Among the Older Demographic

Health remains a critical concern for older Americans, many of whom manage multiple chronic conditions. In 2022, 24 percent of seniors rated their health as fair or poor. Common health issues among seniors include arthritis (48%), high blood pressure (59%), high cholesterol (48%), and diabetes (20%). The vast majority of seniors (90%) use prescription medications, with 12 percent taking medication for depression and 13 percent for anxiety. Falls are a significant risk for seniors, with 28 percent of those aged 65 and older experiencing at least one fall, and 10 percent suffering injuries as a result.

Caregiving and Healthcare Coverage

Nearly all seniors in the U.S. have health insurance, with 94 percent covered by Medicare. However, Medicare does not cover all healthcare costs, requiring many seniors to rely on additional private insurance, military-based coverage, or Medicaid. Fortunately, only 3 percent of seniors reported being unable to access necessary medical care due to cost.

Caregiving plays a crucial role in the well-being of seniors. Between 2021 and 2022, over 37 million family caregivers provided unpaid care to someone aged 65 or older. Caregivers aged 65 and older were most likely to provide care, often for a friend or neighbor, dedicating an average of 4.9 hours per day to caregiving activities.

Can We Help You with Legal Issues Faced by the Older Demographic?

For more information, please join us for an upcoming FREE seminar. If you have additional questions or concerns about legal issues seniors face, contact the experienced Indianapolis elder law attorneys at Frank & Kraft by calling (317) 684-1100 to schedule an appointment.

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