How many people are over 90? Exploring the rise of nonagenarians

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the nation's 90-and-older population nearly tripled between 1980 and 2010, reaching 1.9 million. Globally, this demographic trend is also accelerating, with millions of individuals living well into their ninth and tenth decades. So, how many people are over 90, and what are the implications of this unprecedented growth?

Quick Summary

The global number of nonagenarians is in the tens of millions and growing rapidly, while the U.S. cohort has grown significantly in recent decades with projections showing continued increases toward the mid-21st century. This rise is driven by better healthcare and living conditions, but also presents new challenges related to health, finances, and social infrastructure.

Key Points

• Global Growth: The nonagenarian population is growing rapidly worldwide, projected to nearly double between 2015 and 2030.

• U.S. Expansion: In the U.S., the 90-and-older population has grown significantly and is projected to more than quadruple between 2010 and 2050.

• Gender Disparity: Women greatly outnumber men in the 90+ age bracket, with a ratio of nearly 3 to 1 in the U.S.

• Income and Poverty: A large portion of the 90+ population relies on Social Security and faces higher poverty rates compared to younger seniors.

• Caregiving Needs: Functional disabilities and other health challenges increase significantly with age, leading to a greater need for caregiving.

• Societal Adaptation: An aging population necessitates societal adjustments in healthcare, financial systems, and infrastructure.

Understanding the Global Nonagenarian Population

Advancements in healthcare, sanitation, and nutrition have led to a significant increase in global life expectancy and a surge in the number of people living into their 90s and beyond. In 2015, the worldwide nonagenarian population was estimated at 16.3 million and was projected to almost double by 2030 to 30.9 million. In 2020, over 147 million people globally were between 80 and 99 years old, highlighting this significant demographic shift.

United States: A Case Study in Rapid Expansion

The U.S. has experienced a steep rise in its 90-and-older population, which nearly tripled between 1980 and 2010. A 2011 report projected this group could more than quadruple between 2010 and 2050, potentially reaching 9 million people.

Key characteristics of the U.S. 90+ population:

• Women significantly outnumber men, at nearly a 3 to 1 ratio.
• Many face physical function limitations.
• Social Security is a crucial income source, with this group often having lower median incomes and higher poverty rates than younger seniors.

The Societal Impact of an Aging Population

This demographic shift presents both challenges and opportunities, requiring societies to adapt their infrastructure and policies to support longer lives.

Challenges include:

• Increased healthcare costs.
• Strain on financial resources like pensions and savings.
• Higher risk of social isolation.
• Increased caregiving demands.

Comparison of Senior Demographics

Characteristic	Age 65–69	Age 90+
Primary Residence (approx.)	Independent Living	Higher rate of institutionalized care
Nursing Home Residents	~1%	~20–30% depending on age group
Gender Ratio (M:F)	More balanced	Heavily skewed toward women (~1:3)
Likelihood of Widowhood	Significantly Lower	Very High (especially for women)
Functional Limitations	Lower Prevalence	Higher Prevalence
Main Income Source	Social Security and Pensions	Heavily reliant on Social Security

Factors Contributing to Longevity

Reaching advanced old age is influenced by a combination of genetics, lifestyle, and environment. While genetics play a greater role in extreme longevity, health behaviors are also significant. Studies suggest that resilience and maintaining social ties are common traits among centenarians.

Preparing for an Aging Society

Adapting to a growing 90+ population involves innovating in healthcare, such as developing better treatments for age-related diseases, and rethinking economic and social systems to support longer lives, addressing costs of long-term care and creating opportunities for older adults. The National Institute on Aging offers resources on these topics. For more information on this demographic shift, consult resources like the NIA report, 90+ in the United States: 2006-2008, a collaboration with the U.S. Census Bureau. You can learn more on the National Institute on Aging website.

Conclusion

The increasing number of people over 90 reflects a significant global demographic shift driven by increased longevity. This trend highlights the need for a comprehensive understanding of the health, social, and economic needs of this growing population to ensure effective support systems and a high quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a nonagenarian?

A nonagenarian is a person who is in their nineties, meaning they are between 90 and 99 years old. This term is often used to describe members of the fastest-growing segment of the aging population.

Is the number of people over 90 increasing?

Yes, statistics from sources like the U.S. Census Bureau and international health organizations confirm that the number of people over 90 is increasing worldwide due to improved healthcare, nutrition, and rising life expectancy.

What are the primary health concerns for people over 90?

Common health concerns include physical and mobility limitations, increased risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, and a higher likelihood of cognitive decline.

How do living arrangements for nonagenarians differ from younger seniors?

As people age into their 90s, they are more likely to live alone (for women) or in institutional settings like nursing homes compared to those in their 60s and 70s. This is often due to the onset of functional disabilities and the loss of a spouse.

What are the financial challenges faced by those over 90?

Many people over 90 have a limited or fixed income, often relying heavily on Social Security. They face higher poverty rates than younger elderly populations and can struggle to afford housing, medications, and other basic needs.

What role does genetics play in reaching age 90 and beyond?

Genetics play an increasing role in a person's longevity the older they get, contributing to a greater resilience against age-related diseases. However, lifestyle and environmental factors are also very important.

How can society better support the growing population of nonagenarians?

Societal adaptations include strengthening financial support systems like pensions and Social Security, improving access to quality healthcare, and developing better community infrastructure to address housing, transportation, and social isolation.