-
The
65+ age group is the fastest growing segment of the population in
the United States.
-
The
over-65 population will double from 32 million today to 65 million
by 2040.
-
In 1900, life expectancy was 47.3 years; in 1950, it was 68.2 years.
The projected life expectancy for the year 2050 is 77.5 years for
men and 82.9 years for women.
-
In 1998, there were 143 older women for every 100 older men. Amost
half of all older women are widows.
-
42%
of older women live alone, while only 20% of older men live alone.
-
More
than half of the older population has at least one disability.
-
The
longer a person lives, the greater likelihood of chronic illness,
increased need for assistance, and increased dependency.
-
Nationally,
seven million persons over the age of 65 need help with tasks of
daily living; feeding, dressing and bathing.
-
71%
of all long-term care is provided in the community, with 85% provided
by family and friends.
-
A small percentage of older Americans live in nursing homes (1.43
million in 1996, or 4.2 percent of the senior population.
-
The
need for nursing home increases steeply with age, from 1% of those
age 65 - 74, to 20% for those 85 and older.
