Logo of the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics

Older Americans 2000: Key Indicators of Well-Being 
Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics


Population

Indicator 1 Number of Older Americans
Indicator 2 Racial and Ethnic Composition
Indicator 3 Marital Status
Indicator 4 Educational Attainment
Indicator 5 Living Arrangements


Indicator 1 - Number of Older Americans

The growth of the population age 65 and older has affected every aspect of our society, presenting challenges as well as opportunities to policymakers, families, businesses, and health care providers.

Chart: Total number of persons age 65 or older, by age group, 1900 to 2050, in millions.  The chart shows the dramatic growth of the number of older persons from 1900 to the present and projected out to 2050.  See text for details.

Percentage of the population age 65 and older, by state, 2000.  This chart shows a map of the US with the states  shaded accorded to the percentage of the 65 and over population.  Florida, Iowa, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and North Dakota have over 15 percent.  Utah, Alaska, and Georgia have less than 10 percent.   See text for details.

Data for this indicator can be found in Tables 1a, 1b, 1c, and 1d.


Indicator 2 - Racial and Ethnic Composition

As the older population grows larger, it will also grow more diverse, reflecting the demographic changes in the U.S. population as a whole over the past century. Over the next 50 years, programs and services for the older population will require greater flexibility to meet the demands of a diverse and changing population.

Chart of Projected Distribution of the Population Age 65 and Older, by Race and Hispanic Origin, 2000 and 2050.  See text for details.

Data for this indicator can be found in Tables 2a and 2b.


Indicator 3 - Marital Status

Marital status can strongly affect a person’s emotional and economic well-being by influencing living arrangements and availability of caregivers among older Americans with an illness or disability.

Chart of Marital Status of the Population Age 65 and Older, by Age Group and Sex, 1998.  See text for details.

Data for this indicator can be found in Table 3.


Indicator 4 - Educational Attainment

Educational attainment influences socioeconomic status, and thus can play a role in well-being at older ages. Higher levels of education are usually associated with higher incomes, higher standards of living, and above-average health status among older Americans.

Chart of Percentage of the Population Age 65 and Older With A High School Diploma or Higher and Bachelor's Degree or Higher, 1950 to 1998.  See text for details.

Chart of Percentage of the Population Age 65 and Older With A High School Diploma Or Higher and Bachelor's Degree Or Higher, by Race and Hispanic Origin, 1998.  See text for details.

Data for this indicator can be found in Tables 4a and 4b.


Indicator 5 - Living Arrangements

Like marital status, the living arrangements of America’s older population are important because they are closely linked to income, health status, and the availability of caregivers. Older persons who live alone are more likely to be in poverty than older persons who live with their spouses.[8]

Chart of Living Arrangements of the Population Age 65 and Older, by Sex and Race and Hispanic Origin, 1998.  See text for details.

Data for this indicator can be found in Tables 5a and 5b.


blue ballTop of Page blue ballMenu: Older Americans 2000: Key Indicators of Well-Being 
blue ballForum Home Page blue ballGo to Economics Section

Contacts: