The share of Americans over 65 is going to rise from 4 percent to 22 percent by 2040. If the baby boomers keep eating vegetables and running around the block, there could be 18 million people over 85 by the year 2050. There are two reasons for this. First, life expectancy went up 60 percent in the 20th century. At the age of 65, there are 315 unmarried women for every 100 unmarried men.
Many women simply outlive their resources.
We're already seeing that among women in their 70s. Many may have expended the family resources on the illness of a spouse who has now passed away. The implications of having a large and vulnerable group of aging fragile women are very serious. The other major population change is diversity. It's going to land on the policy table with a big, loud thump.