Families in Later Life

1. Families in Later Life Chapter 17

2. The Growth of the Older Population The U.S. proportion of elderly (65+) will overtake the proportion of youth (0-17) by the year 2030. Gerontologists (scientists who study the biological, psychological, and social aspects of aging) note significant differences between elderly age groups in living independently, working, and health care needs. The young-old—ages 65-74 The old-old—ages 75-84 The oldest-old—85 and older fastest growing group — 100,000 in 1900, 4.7 million in 2003. by 2010 the U.S. will have about 129,000 centenarians (people aged 100 or older) Longer and healthier lives lead to later life families families beyond child raising years who have launched their children, or childless families beginning to plan for retirement.

3. The Gender Gap Women live longer than men, thus the proportion of women in the older population increases with age. Women begin to outnumber men by age 35. The gender gap widens at age 70 and older. Men tend to have higher mortality. Women are more likely to seek medical attention. Women tend to work in less dangerous jobs than men. The gap in mortality has been narrowing due to women’s increased smoking, alcohol and drug use, and stress.

4. Growing Racial and Ethnic Diversity The older population is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. U.S. immigration rates are the world’s highest. Many racial and ethnic categories have higher birth rates than do whites. The ethnic population age 65 and older will increase. 16% in 2000 36% in 2050 Life expectancy has increased for all groups. Older white Americans, especially women, have higher life expectancies. American Indians and Alaska Natives, especially men, have the lowest life expectancies.

5. Growing Racial and Ethnic Diversity