May is Older Americans Month. The ratio of women to men increases to 241 to 100 for persons age 85 and older. The population age 85 and older is currently the fastest growing segment of the older population. In 2000, the states with the highest proportions of older persons are Florida, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Iowa, and North Dakota. In 2000, there are an estimated 50,000 centenarians in the US, or a little more than one centenarian per 10,000 in the population.
Centenarians are the fastest growing segment of our population.
Most people age 65 and older live with family members, and a small percentage live in nursing homes. Older women are more likely to live alone than are older men. By the first part of the 21st century, there will be as many seniors as there are people under the age of 20. The size of the older population is projected to double over the next 30 years, growing to 70 million by 2030. The population age 85 and older could grow from about 4 million in 2000 to 19 million by 2050.