Between 2010 and 2050, the U.S. population aged 65 and older will change significantly and have a substantial effect on the country, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. By 2030, all of the Baby Boomer generation will be senior citizens, aged 65 or older, a time when Americans typically stop working and start enjoying retirement.
The growing older population affects dependency ratios. The ratio is figured by the proportion of non-working aged Americans (those under age 20 and over age 65) divided by the number aged 20-64, times 100. In 2010, 67 people are dependent for every 100 working-age Americans — 45 aged 20 and under and 22 aged 65 and older for every 100 Americans of working age. By 2050, the dependency ratio grows to 85 for every 100 working-age Americans: 48 aged 20 and under, plus 37 aged 65 and older for every 100 of working age.
The older population is also changing in composition. In 2010, 90% are White, but that number will drop to 81% in 2050. The proportion of Blacks aged 65 and older will rise to 10%, up from 7% in 2010. The Hispanic senior population will nearly triple, growing to 20% from 7%. The Asian population will triple to 6%, up from 2%. [Mature Market, Demographics]
Source: “The Older Population In The United States: 2010 to 2050,” U.S. Census Bureau, Public Information Office, 400 Silver Hill Rd., Washington, DC 20233; 301-763-3030; pio@census.gov; www.census.gov. Price: Available online at no charge.
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