Data Point: National Data on Seniors

Nationwide, over 38 percent of those aged 65 and over reported one or more disabilities in 2010, with the most common difficulties being walking, climbing stairs and doing errands alone. At the same time, the share of the older population residing in skilled nursing facilities declined from 4.5 percent in 2000 to 3.1 percent in 2010.  On the employment front, 16.2 percent of the population aged 65 and over were employed in 2010, up from 14.5 percent in 2005.  This was the only population group to see an increase during that five year period.

These figures and a wealth of other data on the 65+ population have been compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau and published in a report titled 65+ in the United States:  2010.  Although it contains limited state-level information, it represents an excellent statistical reference on the nation's senior population covering topics related to health and long term care as well as economic and social characteristics.   

Contact:  Darius Kirstein, dkirstein@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8841