More and more people live into old age. This demographic revolution underscores the fact that old age is the last uncharted and unattended phase of the life cycle.

The number of people in America age 65+ is growing more rapidly than the rest of the population. This report provides background information on the status of aging in America. The data presented provide a broad overview of the health, income, employment, housing, & social characteristics of today's older population. Sections include: size & growth of the older population; economic status; retirements & labor force participation; health status & health services utilization; long-term care; social characteristics; elderly people who live alone; federal outlays benefiting the elderly; international comparisons; & dozens of charts & tables.