What Percentage of the Population Lives to Be 85?

While worldwide life expectancy at birth has increased significantly, reaching age 85 remains a less common achievement. Understanding what percentage of the population lives to be 85 involves looking at diverse global and regional data, highlighting notable variations based on sex, socioeconomic status, and healthcare access.

Quick Summary

The percentage of people who live to age 85 varies significantly by country, demographics, and lifestyle factors. In the U.S., about 1.9% of the total population was aged 85 or over in 2020, with a notable gender disparity, as women tend to live longer than men. Projections show this demographic increasing rapidly in the coming decades.

Key Points

• Growing Demographic: The population aged 85 and older is the fastest-growing age group in many countries, including the U.S., where it is projected to more than double by 2040.

• Significant Growth for 85+: In the U.S., 6.3 million Americans were 85 or over in 2020, representing 1.9% of the total population, a number projected to increase significantly in the next few decades.

• Female Longevity Advantage: Women consistently have a higher probability of living to age 85 compared to men, a gap that has been narrowing but persists.

• Socioeconomic Disparities: People with a lower socioeconomic status have a significantly lower life expectancy and are less likely to live beyond 85 than their wealthier counterparts.

• Environmental Factors are Key: Lifestyle choices and environmental factors have a much more profound effect on longevity, especially after middle age, than genetic predispositions.

• Healthcare Access Matters: Adequate access to and utilization of healthcare services significantly increases the likelihood of living longer and healthier, particularly for managing chronic conditions in later life.

• Regional Differences Exist: The percentage of a population living past 85 varies dramatically across the globe, with developed countries generally having much higher rates than less developed nations.

Current statistics on people living to age 85

Statistics on longevity reveal a growing trend toward increased lifespans, especially in developed nations, but reaching advanced old age is still a selective process influenced by numerous factors. In the United States, for example, the percentage of people aged 85 and older has grown considerably over the past century. However, it's important to differentiate between the percentage of the total population currently aged 85 and the percentage of a specific birth cohort that will survive to reach age 85.

In 2020, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that there were 6.3 million Americans aged 85 and over, which accounted for approximately 1.9% of the total U.S. population. This number has seen dramatic growth and is projected to continue its rapid increase in the coming decades as the baby boomer generation ages. The fastest growth rate is expected within this 85+ age bracket.

Sex-based longevity differences

A notable demographic disparity exists regarding who lives longer. Women consistently outlive men across most populations, and this trend is particularly evident among the oldest-old. For instance, a 1992 report mentioned that around 39% of women born in the U.S. could expect to reach their 85th birthday, compared to only 21% of men. While recent data shows the longevity gap between sexes fluctuating over time, it persists due to a combination of biological, behavioral, and lifestyle factors.

Global vs. regional variations

Longevity statistics vary widely across the globe, influenced by a country's development level, healthcare quality, socioeconomic conditions, and public health infrastructure.

• Developed vs. Less Developed Countries: People in richer, more developed nations generally have much higher life expectancies and a greater likelihood of living past 85 compared to those in less developed countries. A 2024 report noted that in more developed countries, average life expectancy at birth was 76 years for men and 82 years for women, compared to 64 and 69 years respectively in less developed countries.
• Regional Hotspots: Some countries, such as Japan and several others with robust healthcare and social support systems, report average life expectancies that rival or exceed 85 years.

Factors influencing advanced longevity

While genetics play a role in determining longevity, environmental and lifestyle factors are often more influential, especially in a person's earlier decades.

Health and lifestyle

• Socioeconomic Status (SES): Individuals with a higher SES, including those with better education and income, generally have a significantly greater chance of living longer than their lower-SES counterparts. Lower SES is associated with lower life expectancy due to reduced access to quality healthcare, healthier food, and other resources.
• Physical Activity: Staying physically active throughout life is strongly associated with longevity. A Harvard study observed that regular physical activity was a key factor for healthy aging.
• Social Engagement: Maintaining strong social connections and staying engaged with others beyond the immediate family can positively impact longevity. A study on centenarians in New Zealand found that high rates of social engagement were linked to living longer without major chronic diseases.
• Optimism: Psychological outlook can also be a contributing factor. A 2019 study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found a correlation between higher optimism scores and greater longevity.

Healthcare access

Access to adequate healthcare is a critical predictor of extended life, particularly in advanced years. A study in China showed that older adults with sufficient healthcare access lived longer than those with inadequate access. The availability of advanced medical technology, preventative care, and specialized treatments for age-related conditions can significantly extend a person's healthspan and lifespan.

Comparison of longevity factors: Age 65 vs. Age 85

Factor	Impact on Longevity at Age 65	Impact on Longevity at Age 85+
Genetics	Moderate influence; lifestyle choices are often more dominant in determining health trajectories up to this point.	Increasingly influential; genetics play a stronger role in preserving health and avoiding age-related diseases in the oldest-old.
Lifestyle (Diet, Exercise)	Very high influence; healthy habits can prevent or delay the onset of chronic diseases.	High influence; maintaining physical activity and good nutrition helps sustain health, but benefits may be limited by cumulative health damage or genetic predispositions.
Socioeconomic Status (SES)	High influence; lower SES is linked to significantly reduced life expectancy.	High influence; disparities widen, as high SES provides better access to advanced medical care and caregiving.
Healthcare Access	High influence; access to preventive care and early treatment for conditions like diabetes and hypertension is critical.	Very high influence; access to consistent, quality care becomes even more crucial for managing multiple chronic conditions and functional decline.
Social Support	Moderate to high influence; positive relationships are linked to better health.	High influence; social isolation can be a major health risk, whereas strong social ties support well-being and longevity.

The future of the 85+ population

Projections from the U.S. Census Bureau indicate that the number of Americans aged 85 and older will grow from 6.5 million in 2022 to an estimated 13.7 million by 2040. By 2060, the baby boomer generation will be well into this age bracket, and the 85+ population is expected to reach 19 million. This demographic shift is not unique to the U.S.; the United Nations projects the worldwide population aged 80 or over will nearly triple between 2021 and 2050.

This growth presents both opportunities and challenges. While many will live longer, healthier lives, the increasing number of oldest-old individuals also increases demand for healthcare, long-term care services, and social support systems. Innovations in medicine, public health initiatives, and shifts toward healthier lifestyles will continue to shape the statistics and lived realities of people reaching 85 and beyond.

Conclusion

The percentage of the population that lives to be 85 is not a static number but a dynamic figure increasing steadily over time, particularly in developed nations. While approximately 1.9% of the U.S. population was 85 or older in 2020, projections indicate this figure will rise significantly as the baby boomer generation enters this age group. A notable sex disparity shows women are more likely to reach this age milestone than men. Overall, the likelihood of celebrating an 85th birthday is influenced more by modifiable lifestyle factors, socioeconomic status, and access to quality healthcare than by genetics alone, with these factors becoming increasingly critical as a person ages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the global average percentage of people living to be 85?

There is no single global average percentage, as the figure varies dramatically by country. However, data from the United Nations shows that the population aged 80 and over globally is the fastest-growing segment among older people and is expected to nearly triple between 2021 and 2050.

Are women more likely to live to 85 than men?

Yes, women consistently have a higher life expectancy than men and are more likely to live to advanced old age, including age 85 and beyond. For example, older reports show the probability of living to 85 was significantly higher for women than men in the U.S..

How has the percentage of people living to 85 changed over time?

The percentage of people living to 85 has increased significantly over the last century in many countries, a trend driven by advancements in medicine, public health initiatives, and overall improvements in living standards. The 'oldest-old' (85+) is the fastest-growing age group in several populations.

Do lifestyle and genetics affect the likelihood of living to 85?

Both lifestyle and genetics play a role, but research suggests that lifestyle and environmental factors have a more significant influence, especially in earlier life. While genetics become more important in extreme longevity, choices related to diet, exercise, and social engagement are major determinants for most people reaching 85.

How does socioeconomic status impact the percentage of people living to 85?

Socioeconomic status (SES) has a significant impact on longevity. Research indicates that those with lower SES are considerably less likely to live to 85 compared to their wealthier counterparts, with lower SES associated with a reduced life expectancy.

What are the projections for the number of people living to 85 in the future?

Both U.S. and global projections suggest the 85+ population will grow substantially. In the U.S., this group is expected to more than double by 2040, reaching over 13.7 million. The UN similarly projects a large increase in the number of people aged 80 or more worldwide.

What are the key health conditions for people aged 85 and older?

According to the CDC, common chronic conditions for the 85+ population include hypertension, arthritis, and high cholesterol. Many people in this age bracket also have multiple chronic conditions, necessitating greater access to healthcare.