Older Americans’ Health and Well-being — Good News, Bad News
Seniors, defined as people 62 years of age and older, make up 13% of our population. This number will increase to 20% of our population by the year 2030. From 37 indicators of well-being, the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics found that older Americans are in general living longer and healthier lives.
The research found that today’s seniors are more likely to have a higher income level than seniors of previous generations, and fewer are living in poverty. More senior women (ages 62 plus) are working, but that may be as much for satisfaction as for needed income.
This is all great news for those living in or getting close to the senior years and those with parents in this age range.
Not all of the research is rosy, though. Seniors are not immune from the plague of obesity and that can negate the health gains made in other areas. In adults 65 or older, obesity increased from 22% in 1994 to 38% in 2009.
The researchers also note that seniors are now paying a higher percentage of their income on housing as well. Hopefully, this increase in housing costs is due to the improved senior housing opportunities now available—increasing quality of life despite the higher costs.
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