More Fun Facts About Older Adults

More Fun Facts

Last year at Braven Health, we ran down a list of fun facts you may not have known about people over 65. Now we’re back with more fun facts about older adults.

Our Numbers Are Growing

The number of Americans over age 65 is expected to grow from 52 million in 2018 to 95 million by 2060. In that time, the 65-and-older age group will grow from 16% to 23% of all adults.

Getting Nicer With Age

You’ll probably get a little kinder as you get older, at least through your 60s. You’re also likely to be happier and less likely to get angry. Researchers haven’t figured out exactly why this happens. A couple theories are:

• Older people may control their emotions better.
• Older people might focus more on getting the most out of life.

A Lot of Us Still Work

In 2018, 24% of men and about 16% of women ages 65 and older were working. By 2026, that group is expected to grow to 26% for men and 18% for women.

Working later into life may be a good thing. A study called the Longevity Project found that people who work hard at a job they like may live the longest.

We’re Diverse

The older adult population is getting more racially and ethnically diverse. Between 2018 and 2060, the older non-Hispanic white population in the U.S. is expected to drop from 77% to 55%.

We’re Good at Using What We’ve Learned

We have years of experience to draw from. This is called crystalized intelligence. And research has found it keeps getting better, even at age 65 or 70.

More of Us Have Been Through Four Years of College

In 1965, only 5% of people over 65 had gotten a bachelor’s degree or higher. By 2018, this number had risen to 29%.

Sex Is Good for Women Over 80

In one study, women over 80 were more likely (than women ages 55 to 79) to say they were satisfied during sex.

We’re Morning People

Our sleeping patterns can change as we age. We go to bed and wake up earlier, and we may wake up at night. But that seems to work out. One study found that even though adults over 65 tend to wake up during the night, most say they regularly get a good night’s sleep.

Men Are Catching Up

The gender gap in life expectancy is getting smaller. In 1990, it was expected that men would live seven fewer years than women. By 2017, this gap had gone down to five years (76 vs. 81 years).

Our Senses of Smell and Taste Might Change

As you get older, medicines, illness and allergies all could change your sense of smell and taste. These changes can affect your diet and health. If you find things need to taste better or different, try some olive oil, and herbs like rosemary and thyme, or garlic, peppers or mustard. But don’t over-salt your food.

Fewer of Us Live in Poverty

The poverty rate for Americans ages 65 and older has dropped in the past 50-plus years. It’s gone from close to 30% in 1966 to 9% today.

We Get Out and Vote

People over age 60 cast ballots more than any other age group. And with our population increase, we’re the fastest growing group of voters in the U.S. That means more voting power on topics that matter as we age, like Medicare and Social Security.