The U.S. population is aging rapidly. In the decade to 2024, the share of Americans 65 and older increased from 12.4% to 18%, according to Census Bureau statistics.
The country’s declining birth rate and increased life expectancy account for some of this increase. As well, baby boomers — the generation defined by the post-World War II birthrate boom — are now well into their 60s and 70s.
In September, Pew Research Center polled 8,750 American adults in an effort to understand how older Americans are aging and the factors associated with aging well.
The findings showed that factors associated with older adults’ sense of aging extremely or very well include physical, mental and cognitive health; financial security; and social support. Some activities are also linked with their sense of aging well, the survey found.
See the gallery for 10 of Pew's findings on how Americans are thinking about and approaching their older years.
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