Older Americans month, sponsored by the Administration on Aging, is a celebration of the contributions made by America’s older citizens that have spanned three generations. The theme for this year’s Older Americans Month is “Age Strong! Live Long!”

Did you know…

The growth of the older population (65+) is increasing at an unprecedented rate in U.S. history. Improved medical care and prevention efforts are resulting in longer life spans. The aging of baby boomers (individuals born between 1946 and 1964) is also contributing significantly to this demographic trend. The older population is projected to make a big spike between the years 2010 and 2030, the period in which baby boomers will reach age 65.

According to current data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau, the population 65 years and over will increase from 35 million in 2000 to 40 million in 2010 (a 15% increase) and then to 55 million in 2020 (a 36% increase for that decade). By 2030, there will be about 72.1 million older persons in the U.S., almost twice their number in 2007 and roughly 20 percent of the U.S. population.

You can find more information about Older Americans Month here (http://www.olderamericansmonth.org/).