Seniors in the United States: a statistical portrait

Seniors make up a growing proportion of the American population, and their numbers are projected to more than double by 2060. Here are some interesting facts about our aging population.

• As of 2016, 15 percent of the American population was aged 65 and over, which amounts to about 46 million people. By 2060, this number could escalate to 98 million people.

• In 2017, life expectancy in the United States was projected to be 76 years for men and 81 years for women.

• The life expectancy gap between men and women is narrowing. In 1990 there was a seven-year gap, but now it’s down to slightly less than five years.

• Older adults are working longer. In 2014, 23 percent of men and 15 percent of women aged 65 or older were in the workforce. By 2022, this number is expected to reach 27 percent for men and 20 percent for women.