In 2023, about 17.7 percent of the American population was 65 years old or over; an increase from the last few years and a figure which is expected to reach 22.8 percent by 2050. This is a significant increase from 1950, when only eight percent of the population was 65 or over. A rapidly aging population In recent years, the aging population of the United States has come into focus as a cause for concern, as the nature of work and retirement is expected to change to keep up. If a population is expected to live longer than the generations before, the economy will have to change as well to fulfill the needs of the citizens. In addition, the birth rate in the U.S. has been falling over the last 20 years, meaning that there are not as many young people to replace the individuals leaving the workforce. The future population It’s not only the American population that is aging -- the global population is, too. By 2025, the median age of the global workforce is expected to be 39.6 years, up from 33.8 years in 1990. Additionally, it is projected that there will be over three million people worldwide aged 100 years and over by 2050.

In 2023, there were ********* adults aged 65 and older living in California, the most out of all U.S. states, followed by Florida with over *** million adults aged 65 and older. Both California and Florida have some of the highest resident population figures in the United States.

In 2021, about **** million people aged 65 years or older were living in California -- the most out of any state. In that same year, Florida, Texas, New York, and Pennsylvania rounded out the top five states with the most people aged 65 and over living there.

In 2022, the state with the highest median age of its population was Maine at 45.1 years. Utah had the lowest median age at 32.1 years. View the distribution of the U.S. population by ethnicity here.

Additional information on the aging population in the United States

High birth rates during the so-called baby boom years that followed World War II followed by lower fertility and morality rates have left the United States with a serious challenge in the 21st Century. However, the issue of an aging population is certainly not an issue unique to the United States. The age distribution of the global population shows that other parts of the world face a similar issue.

Within the United States, the uneven distribution of populations aged 65 years and over among states offers both major challenges and potential solutions. On the one hand, federal action over the issue may be contentious as other states are set to harbor the costs of elderly care in states such as California and Florida. That said, domestic migration from comparably younger states may help to fill gaps in the workforce left by retirees in others.

Nonetheless, aging population issues are set to gain further prominence in the political and economic decisions made by policymakers regardless of the eventual distribution of America’s elderly. Analysis of the financial concerns of Americans by age shows many young people still decades from retirement hold strong concern over their eventual financial position.

United States US: Population: Female: Aged 65 and Above data was reported at 27,842,737.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 27,037,960.000 Person for 2016. United States US: Population: Female: Aged 65 and Above data is updated yearly, averaging 18,235,236.000 Person from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 27,842,737.000 Person in 2017 and a record low of 9,137,507.000 Person in 1960. United States US: Population: Female: Aged 65 and Above data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.World Bank: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Female population 65 years of age or older. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.; ; World Bank staff estimates using the World Bank's total population and age/sex distributions of the United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; Sum; Relevance to gender indicator: Knowing how many girls, adolescents and women there are in a population helps a country in determining its provision of services.

United States US: Population: as % of Total: Female: Aged 65 and Above data was reported at 16.925 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 16.550 % for 2016. United States US: Population: as % of Total: Female: Aged 65 and Above data is updated yearly, averaging 14.035 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 16.925 % in 2017 and a record low of 10.023 % in 1960. United States US: Population: as % of Total: Female: Aged 65 and Above data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.World Bank: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Female population 65 years of age or older as a percentage of the total female population. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on age/sex distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; Weighted average; Relevance to gender indicator: Knowing how many girls, adolescents and women there are in a population helps a country in determining its provision of services.

Gerontology Aging Market Outlook

The global gerontology aging market size was valued at USD 780 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 1,350 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.3% during the forecast period. This robust growth is primarily driven by the increasing aging population worldwide, advancements in medical technology, and rising awareness about the importance of elderly care.

One of the primary growth factors for the gerontology aging market is the rapidly increasing elderly population across the globe. With advancements in healthcare, life expectancy has significantly increased, resulting in a higher percentage of the population being aged 65 and above. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that by 2050, the global population aged 60 years and older will total 2 billion, up from 900 million in 2015. This demographic shift necessitates enhanced geriatric care services and facilities, thus fueling market growth.

Another significant driver is the rising prevalence of chronic diseases among the elderly. Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and dementia are more common in older adults. Managing these chronic illnesses requires specialized care and services, which contributes to the expansion of the gerontology aging market. Additionally, the increasing awareness and focus on preventive healthcare measures among the elderly population is pushing the demand for wellness and prevention services.

Technological advancements in healthcare are also playing a crucial role in the growth of the gerontology aging market. Innovations such as telemedicine, remote patient monitoring, and electronic health records are enhancing the quality of care for the elderly. These technologies enable continuous monitoring of health conditions, timely medical interventions, and better management of chronic diseases, thereby improving the overall healthcare experience for the aging population.

Regionally, North America holds a significant share of the gerontology aging market due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure, high healthcare expenditure, and the presence of major market players. Europe follows closely, driven by a large elderly population and government initiatives supporting elderly care. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, attributed to the increasing aging population, improving healthcare infrastructure, and rising healthcare awareness.

Service Type Analysis

The gerontology aging market is segmented by service type into home care, adult day care, and institutional care. Each of these services addresses different needs and preferences of the elderly population, contributing uniquely to the market's growth.

Home care services are gaining popularity due to the preference for aging in place among the elderly. These services include personal care, medical care, and assistance with daily activities, allowing older adults to stay in their homes while receiving necessary support. The convenience and comfort of home care, coupled with technological advancements such as telehealth and home monitoring systems, are driving the growth of this segment.

Adult day care services provide a safe and supportive environment for elderly individuals during the day, offering social activities, meals, and healthcare services. These facilities are particularly beneficial for older adults who require supervision and assistance but do not need full-time residential care. The increasing number of dual-income families and the need for respite care for caregivers are significant factors contributing to the growth of the adult day care segment.

Institutional care, which includes nursing homes and assisted living facilities, remains a crucial component of the gerontology aging market. These institutions provide comprehensive care for elderly individuals who require constant medical attention and support. The demand for institutional care is driven by the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and the need for specialized care that cannot be provided at home. Additionally, the development of advanced facilities with specialized units for conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease is boosting this segment.

Report Scope

People in different subgroups age at different rates. Surveys containing biomarkers can be used to assess these subgroup differences. We illustrate this using hand-grip strength to produce an easily interpretable, physical-based measure that allows us to compare characteristic-based ages across educational subgroups in the United States. Hand-grip strength has been shown to be a good predictor of future mortality and morbidity, and therefore a useful indicator of population aging. Data from the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS) were used. Two education subgroups were distinguished, those with less than a high school diploma and those with more education. Regressions on hand-grip strength were run for each sex and race using age and education, their interactions and other covariates as independent variables. Ages of identical mean hand-grip strength across education groups were compared for people in the age range 60 to 80. The hand-grip strength of 65 year old white males with less education was the equivalent to that of 69.6 (68.2, 70.9) year old white men with more education, indicating that the more educated men had aged more slowly. This is a constant characteristic age, as defined in the Sanderson and Scherbov article “The characteristics approach to the measurement of population aging” published 2013 in Population and Development Review. Sixty-five year old white females with less education had the same average hand-grip strength as 69.4 (68.2, 70.7) year old white women with more education. African-American women at ages 60 and 65 with more education also aged more slowly than their less educated counterparts. African American men with more education aged at about the same rate as those with less education. This paper expands the toolkit of those interested in population aging by showing how survey data can be used to measure the differential extent of aging across subpopulations.

Preparation of this data collection was funded by grant

90-A-1279 from the United States Department of Health and Human

Services, Administration on Aging. Estimates of the population of persons 60 years old and older were received from the Census Bureau in printed form and were made machine-readable by staff at ICPSR. Other variables contained in this dataset were merged from existing machine-readable census files. The data concerning racial composition of counties were taken from the CENSUS OF POPULATION AND HOUSING, 1980 [UNITED STATES]: P.L. 94-171 POPULATION COUNTS (ICPSR 7854). The figures concerning per capita income were taken from the Bureau of the Census, GENERAL REVENUE SHARING, 1978 POPULATION ESTIMATES (ICPSR 7840). Variables include Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) state and county codes, 1978 per capita income of county, and total population of county broken down by sex, race, and age (in four-year increments with a category for persons 75 years old and older).

Graph and download economic data for Population Level - 55 Yrs. & over (LNU00024230) from Jan 1948 to May 2025 about 55 years +, civilian, household survey, population, and USA.

Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) in United States was reported at 53.91 % in 2023, according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, compiled from officially recognized sources. United States - Age dependency ratio (% of working-age population) - actual values, historical data, forecasts and projections were sourced from the World Bank on July of 2025.

United States US: Population: Total: Aged 0-14 data was reported at 61,603,617.000 Person in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 61,538,430.000 Person for 2016. United States US: Population: Total: Aged 0-14 data is updated yearly, averaging 57,943,651.000 Person from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 62,401,154.000 Person in 2010 and a record low of 51,201,638.000 Person in 1983. United States US: Population: Total: Aged 0-14 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.World Bank: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Total population between the ages 0 to 14. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.; ; World Bank staff estimates using the World Bank's total population and age/sex distributions of the United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; Sum;

The unprecedented demographic shifts toward an aging population pose significant challenges to global healthcare systems. Understanding the heterogeneity in disease prevalence among the elderly is crucial for effective public health strategies. Using prevalence data of 85 types of age-related diseases, we calculated the global heterogeneity of disease distribution by the Shannon Diversity Index (SHDI). We observed significant geographic variations in disease heterogeneity, with higher SHDI values in high-income Western countries such as the United States of America and Sweden and lower in South Asia and Oceania (p < 0.05). In 2021, SHDI values in elderly populations (age ≥ 60 years) for Europe and North America countries were an average of 1.12 times higher than in Oceania. While SHDI increases toward higher ages (for instance, in 2021, SHDI for adults above 95 years is 1.06 times higher than for ages between 60 and 64 years), the global SHDI tends to decrease nonlinearly over time. From 1990 to 2021, global age-standardized SHDI (age ≥ 60 years) averagely decreased by 1.2% for both men and women. Our analysis further revealed that socio-economic factors (e.g., socio-demographic indices, governance) strongly impacted global SHDI changes, while climatic and environmental factors (e.g., extreme climate and air pollution) showed significant differences across genders. Our study highlights the need for implementing comprehensive healthcare strategies, focusing on reducing health disparities and addressing environmental and socio-economic determinants to address inequalities in age-related diseases effectively.

This is an extract of the decennial Public Use Microdata Sample (PUMS) released by the Bureau of the Census. Because the complete PUMS files contain several hundred thousand records, ICPSR has constructed this subset to allow for easier and less costly analysis. The collection of data at ten year increments allows the user to follow various age cohorts through the life-cycle. Data include information on the household and its occupants such as size and value of dwelling, utility costs, number of people in the household, and their relationship to the respondent. More detailed information was collected on the respondent, the head of household, and the spouse, if present. Variables include education, marital status, occupation and income. (Source: downloaded from ICPSR 7/13/10)

Please Note: This dataset is part of the historical CISER Data Archive Collection and is also available at ICPSR -- https://doi.org/10.3886/ICPSR08353.v2. We highly recommend using the ICPSR version as they made this dataset available in multiple data formats.

Working Age Population: Aged 15-64: All for the United States was 211867000.00000 Persons in March of 2025, according to the United States Federal Reserve. Historically, Working Age Population: Aged 15-64: All for the United States reached a record high of 211867000.00000 in March of 2025 and a record low of 101390000.00000 in January of 1960. Trading Economics provides the current actual value, an historical data chart and related indicators for Working Age Population: Aged 15-64: All for the United States - last updated from the United States Federal Reserve on May of 2025.

United States US: Population: as % of Total: Male: Aged 15-64 data was reported at 66.597 % in 2017. This records a decrease from the previous number of 66.862 % for 2016. United States US: Population: as % of Total: Male: Aged 15-64 data is updated yearly, averaging 66.692 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 67.807 % in 2009 and a record low of 60.006 % in 1961. United States US: Population: as % of Total: Male: Aged 15-64 data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s USA – Table US.World Bank: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Male population between the ages 15 to 64 as a percentage of the total male population. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on age/sex distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; Weighted average;

This layer shows demographic context for senior well-being work. This is shown by tract, county, and state boundaries. This service is updated annually to contain the most currently released American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year data, and contains estimates and margins of error. There are also additional calculated attributes related to this topic, which can be mapped or used within analysis. The layer is symbolized to show the percentage of population aged 65 and up (senior population). To see the full list of attributes available in this service, go to the "Data" tab, and choose "Fields" at the top right. Current Vintage: 2018-2022ACS Table(s): B01001, B09021, B17020, B18101, B23027, B25072, B25093, B27010, B28005, C27001B-IData downloaded from: Census Bureau's API for American Community Survey Date of API call: December 7, 2023The United States Census Bureau's American Community Survey (ACS):About the SurveyGeography & ACSTechnical DocumentationNews & UpdatesThis ready-to-use layer can be used within ArcGIS Pro, ArcGIS Online, its configurable apps, dashboards, Story Maps, custom apps, and mobile apps. Data can also be exported for offline workflows. For more information about ACS layers, visit the FAQ. Please cite the Census and ACS when using this data.Data Note from the Census:Data are based on a sample and are subject to sampling variability. The degree of uncertainty for an estimate arising from sampling variability is represented through the use of a margin of error. The value shown here is the 90 percent margin of error. The margin of error can be interpreted as providing a 90 percent probability that the interval defined by the estimate minus the margin of error and the estimate plus the margin of error (the lower and upper confidence bounds) contains the true value. In addition to sampling variability, the ACS estimates are subject to nonsampling error (for a discussion of nonsampling variability, see Accuracy of the Data). The effect of nonsampling error is not represented in these tables.Data Processing Notes:This layer is updated automatically when the most current vintage of ACS data is released each year, usually in December. The layer always contains the latest available ACS 5-year estimates. It is updated annually within days of the Census Bureau's release schedule. Click here to learn more about ACS data releases.Boundaries come from the US Census TIGER geodatabases, specifically, the National Sub-State Geography Database (named tlgdb_(year)_a_us_substategeo.gdb). Boundaries are updated at the same time as the data updates (annually), and the boundary vintage appropriately matches the data vintage as specified by the Census. These are Census boundaries with water and/or coastlines erased for cartographic and mapping purposes. For census tracts, the water cutouts are derived from a subset of the 2020 Areal Hydrography boundaries offered by TIGER. Water bodies and rivers which are 50 million square meters or larger (mid to large sized water bodies) are erased from the tract level boundaries, as well as additional important features. For state and county boundaries, the water and coastlines are derived from the coastlines of the 2022 500k TIGER Cartographic Boundary Shapefiles. These are erased to more accurately portray the coastlines and Great Lakes. The original AWATER and ALAND fields are still available as attributes within the data table (units are square meters). The States layer contains 52 records - all US states, Washington D.C., and Puerto RicoCensus tracts with no population that occur in areas of water, such as oceans, are removed from this data service (Census Tracts beginning with 99).Percentages and derived counts, and associated margins of error, are calculated values (that can be identified by the "_calc_" stub in the field name), and abide by the specifications defined by the American Community Survey.Field alias names were created based on the Table Shells file available from the American Community Survey Summary File Documentation page.Negative values (e.g., -4444...) have been set to null, with the exception of -5555... which has been set to zero. These negative values exist in the raw API data to indicate the following situations:The margin of error column indicates that either no sample observations or too few sample observations were available to compute a standard error and thus the margin of error. A statistical test is not appropriate.Either no sample observations or too few sample observations were available to compute an estimate, or a ratio of medians cannot be calculated because one or both of the median estimates falls in the lowest interval or upper interval of an open-ended distribution.The median falls in the lowest interval of an open-ended distribution, or in the upper interval of an open-ended distribution. A statistical test is not appropriate.The estimate is controlled. A statistical test for sampling variability is not appropriate.The data for this geographic area cannot be displayed because the number of sample cases is too small.

In 2023, the median age of the population of the United States was 39.2 years. While this may seem quite young, the median age in 1960 was even younger, at 29.5 years. The aging population in the United States means that society is going to have to find a way to adapt to the larger numbers of older people. Everything from Social Security to employment to the age of retirement will have to change if the population is expected to age more while having fewer children. The world is getting older It’s not only the United States that is facing this particular demographic dilemma. In 1950, the global median age was 23.6 years. This number is projected to increase to 41.9 years by the year 2100. This means that not only the U.S., but the rest of the world will also have to find ways to adapt to the aging population.

The United States senior living market, valued at $112.93 billion in 2025, is experiencing robust growth, projected to expand at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.86% from 2025 to 2033. This expansion is fueled by several key drivers. The aging population, particularly the baby boomer generation, is a significant factor, creating an increasing demand for assisted living, independent living, memory care, and nursing care facilities. Furthermore, rising disposable incomes and increasing awareness of the benefits of senior living communities contribute to market growth. Technological advancements in senior care, such as telehealth and remote monitoring, are also enhancing the quality of life for residents and boosting market appeal. However, the market faces some restraints, including the rising costs of healthcare and senior care services, potentially limiting accessibility for some segments of the population. Furthermore, staffing shortages within the industry represent a significant challenge. The market is segmented by property type, with assisted living, independent living, and memory care facilities representing the largest segments. Key states driving market growth include New York, Illinois, California, North Carolina, and Washington, reflecting higher concentrations of the senior population and higher disposable incomes. Major players in the market such as Ensign Group Inc, Sunrise Senior Living, Brookdale Senior Living Inc, and Atria Senior Living Inc, compete fiercely, driving innovation and service improvements. The forecast period (2025-2033) anticipates continued growth, driven by the ongoing demographic shifts and increased demand for high-quality senior care options. Strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and investments in technology are likely to shape the competitive landscape in the coming years. The industry will continue to adapt to meet the evolving needs of the aging population, focusing on personalized care, innovative technologies, and cost-effective solutions. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of the booming United States senior living market, covering the period from 2019 to 2033. With a base year of 2025 and a forecast period spanning 2025-2033, this report is an invaluable resource for investors, industry professionals, and anyone seeking to understand the dynamics of this rapidly evolving sector. The report leverages extensive data analysis to provide insightful projections and uncover key trends shaping the future of senior care in the US. Expect detailed breakdowns of key segments, including assisted living, independent living, memory care, and nursing care, across major states like California, New York, Illinois, North Carolina, and Washington. Recent developments include: July 2023: Spring Cypress senior living site expansion is set to open at the end of 2024 and will consist of three phases. The first phase of the expansion will include 19 independent-living, two-bedroom cottages. The second phase will include 24 townhomes. The third phase will feature 95 apartments. The final phase will feature a resort with several luxury amenities., Apr 2023: For seniors looking for innovative, high-quality care, Avista Senior Living is transitioning away from its SafelyYou partnership to empower safer, more personalized dementia care with real-time, AI video and remote clinical experts 24/7.. Key drivers for this market are: 4., Increase in Aging Population Driving the Market4.; Healthcare and Long-term Care Needs Driving the Market. Potential restraints include: 4., High Affordability and Cost of Care Affecting the Market4.; Staffing and Workforce Challenges Affecting the Market. Notable trends are: Senior Housing Witnessing Increased Demand.

The number of Americans aged 65 and over with Alzheimer's disease is projected to more than double by 2060, reaching **** million. This significant increase highlights the growing challenge of caring for an aging population, particularly those affected by dementia. As the prevalence of Alzheimer's rises, it will have far-reaching impacts on healthcare, families, and society as a whole. Aging population trends The surge in Alzheimer's cases is closely tied to broader demographic shifts in the United States. By 2050, it's estimated that 22 percent of the American population will be 65 years or older, up from 17.3 percent in 2022. This rapid aging of the population is expected to strain healthcare systems and change the nature of work and retirement. Challenges of aging in place As the number of older adults with Alzheimer's increases, there is a growing desire among seniors to age in their own homes. A 2024 survey found that ************** of adults aged 50 and older strongly or somewhat agreed they would like to remain in their current residence for as long as possible. This preference is even stronger among those 65 and older, with ** percent expressing this desire. However, the ability to age in place may be compromised by declining physical capabilities, as only about *** in **** adults aged 72 and older reported being fully able to perform self-care and mobility activities in 2021.