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Aging in America: (The Graying of the Baby Boomer)

The nation’s population of senior citizens is about to rise to unprecedented levels. In 2011, the first of the Baby Boomers— the 78 million men and women born between 1946 and 1964— will begin turning 65 at a rate of more than 8,000 per day. By year’s end, the nation’s senior population will have increased by almost 3 million, to nearly 49 million. By 2025, the total will reach 72 million— more than double the 35 million at the turn of the new century.

The Future of Aging

The Impact

As the Senior Boomers continue to age, many will experience health and physical problems, some ailments will be long-lasting, and some will occur in combinations. Indeed, 80 percent of the nation’s current seniors have one chronic health condition, and 50 percent have at least two.

Among the most troublesome chronic health problems faced by older (and even middle-aged) Americans are:

• Impaired Mobility: More than 40 percent of those between 50 and 64 report problems with mobility. 2 percent are so impaired they need regular help with their personal care.
• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia: More than 5 million Americans suffer from the disease. By 2050, the total in the 65-and-older population will rise to more than 13 million.
• Stroke: Almost 800,000 strokes occur in the U.S. each year. Three-fourths of the victims are 65 or older.

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