What is the percentage of elderly in America? Understanding an Aging Population

Oct 24, 2025 2 min read •

Aging Demographics Population Trends

As of 2023, approximately 17.7% of the American population was aged 65 or older. This significant demographic shift, primarily driven by the aging of the baby boomer generation, directly addresses the question of what is the percentage of elderly in America and highlights a national trend toward a more senior populace. The proportion of older adults is projected to continue its upward trajectory in the coming decades, impacting everything from healthcare to economic policy.

Quick Summary

The percentage of elderly in the U.S. is steadily increasing, with a notable rise in recent years. This article explores recent census data, examines growth trends and regional variations, and discusses the societal impacts of an aging population.

Key Points

Current Percentage: As of 2023, approximately 17.7% of the American population is 65 or older.
Driven by Baby Boomers: The large baby boomer generation is a main driver of the increase.
Fastest Growth Decade: The 2010s saw the fastest growth rate for the 65-plus population since the late 19th century.
Future Projections: Projections show the percentage of the population aged 65 and over will continue to rise.
Regional Differences: The proportion of older residents varies widely by state.
Societal Impact: An aging population affects healthcare, economic policies, and the labor force.
Increasing Diversity: The older population is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse.

The Current Landscape of America's Senior Population

In recent years, the United States has seen a rapid increase in its senior population. The population aged 65 and over was 57.8 million, or 17.3% in 2022. By 2023, estimates suggest this percentage rose to 17.7%. This reflects a long-term trend, as the proportion of those 65 or older was less than 5% in 1920.

2022 Data: 17.3% of the population was aged 65 and over.
2023 Estimates: The percentage rose to 17.7%.
Decade of Growth: The 2010 to 2020 period saw the fastest growth rate for the 65+ demographic since the late 19th century.

Factors Driving the Aging Population

Improved life expectancy, declining birth rates, and the aging of the baby boomer generation are key contributors to the growing older adult population.

Increased Longevity

Healthcare advances have increased life expectancy.

Declining Birth Rates

A lower birth rate combined with longer life spans increases the proportion of older individuals.

The Baby Boomer Effect

The large baby boomer cohort significantly impacts the size of the older population as they age.

Regional Variations in the Senior Population

The percentage of older residents varies by state due to factors like migration and economic conditions.


Feature	States with Highest Percentage of Seniors (2022)	States with Lowest Percentage of Seniors (2023)
States	Maine (23%), Florida (22%), Vermont (22%)	Utah (12.2%), Texas (13.75%), Alaska (14.04%)

Projected Future of the Elderly Population

The proportion of older Americans is projected to rise.

The Impact of an Aging Population

An increasing elderly population affects healthcare, economic policy, and social services.

Healthcare Demands: Increased pressure on the healthcare system due to older adults' health needs.
Economic Shifts: Impacts include changes to the labor force and strain on Social Security and Medicare.
Racial and Ethnic Diversity: The older population is becoming more diverse.

Conclusion

The percentage of elderly in America is increasing, driven by aging baby boomers, longer life spans, and lower birth rates. This trend impacts healthcare, the economy, and society.

Learn more about national demographic changes by visiting the official U.S. Census Bureau website.

Frequently Asked Questions

As of 2023, approximately 17.7% of the American population was 65 years old or over. This is a rise from 17.3% in 2022.

The elderly population in the U.S. has grown significantly over the past century, with the fastest growth from 2010 to 2020.

The proportion of older adults is projected to continue growing in the coming decades.

In 2022, states with a high percentage of residents aged 65 and older included Maine (23%), Florida (22%), and Vermont (22%).

The aging population impacts the economy by shifting the labor force and putting more strain on social programs like Social Security and Medicare.

The median age of the U.S. population has been trending upward, reaching 39.1 in 2024.

Yes, the older population is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse, a trend expected to continue.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.