Older Americans Month
Every May, Older Americans Month is observed across the United States, led by the Administration of Community Living. This national holiday, established in 1963, is a time to acknowledge the contributions of older persons in America. The 2024 theme is “Powered by Connection” recognizes the profound the impact that meaningful relationships and social connections have on our health and wellbeing (1).
5 fun facts about older adults
The elderly are the fastest growing age group. The U.S. Census Bureau indicates that the 65 and older population grew more than a third (34.2%) over the past decade (2).
Stress decreases after 65. Studies have shown that there are fewer stressors as we grow older, with changes in our social roles and motivations resulting in less daily stress (3).
Seniors are the fasting growing demographic on social media. According to research studies by Pew Research Center, 45% of American 65 and older use social media (4).
Those 65 and older cast the most ballots, more than any other age group. In the 2020 election, 74% of those aged 65 and older voted, up from 71% in 2016 (5).
Seniors are living longer. Due to advancements in technology and medicine, life expectancy is increasing. In 2019, there were 54.1 million people over the age of 65 years. This population is projected to reach 80.8 million in 2040 and 94.7 million in 2060 (6).
Sources:
Older Americans Month 2024, Administration for Community Living, 25 Mar. 2024, https://acl.gov/oam/2024/older-americans-month-2024
65 And Older Population Grows Rapidly as Baby Boomers Age. United States Census Bureau, 8 Oct. 2021, https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2020/65-older-population-grows.html.
Anderer, John. “Life Really Does Get Better with Age: Study Finds Older Adults Experience Less Daily Stress.” Study Finds, 1 Dec. 2022, https://studyfinds.org/life-really-does-get-better-with-age-study-finds-older-adults-experience-less-daily-stress/.
Faverio, Michelle. “Share of Those 65 and Older Who Are Tech Users Has Grown in the Past Decade.” Pew Research Center, 13 Jan. 2022, https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2022/01/13/share-of-those-65-and-older-who-are-tech-users-has-grown-in-the-past-decade/.
Fabina, Jacob. “Despite Pandemic Challenges, 2020 Election Had Largest Increase in Voting between Presidential Elections on Record.” Census.gov, https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/04/record-high-turnout-in-2020-general-election.html.
“Projected Future Growth of Older Population.” ACL Administration for Community Living, https://acl.gov/aging-and-disability-in-america/data-and-research/projected-future-growth-older-population.