The U.S. has reached a new milestone - a population of over 50 million seniors for the first time in the history of the USA. A linear interpolation of the monthly population estimates published by the Census Bureau in 2015 estimates that we will see over 50 million people in the U.S. aged 65 and older some time during November 2016. Even older annual estimates published by the Census Bureau in 2005 show us crossing the threshold in the spring of 2017.
Regardless of the estimation method, it is clear that this milestone is upon us. Continue reading to explore the causes and the effects of the rise in the senior population in the United States.
50 million seniors is more than the population of 25 states combined
As a result of the baby boom that happened post-World War II and the fact that we are experiencing longer life expectancy, the United States is facing a surge in the aging population in every state in the country over the next few decades. This population surge will result in more Medicare beneficiaries and higher Medicare spending, while fewer citizens will be paying into the system. The changing population dynamic presents many challenges that must be addressed.
In the U.S., around 10,000 baby boomers are turning 65 today and everyday for over the next 15 years.
The average life expectancy at birth in 2010 was 10.5 years longer than what it was in 1950.
36,924,413 baby boomers will turn 65 over the next decade.
From 1946-1964, there were 75,000,000 babies born. The oldest of these boomers are starting to turn 65.
Healthcare spending per person is nearly 5 times higher for those aged 85+ than the national average of $7,097 per year.
Medicare spending is projected to rise to 3.8 percent of Gross Domestic Product by 2026.
In 2000, there were 5.2 working aged citizens for each retired citizen. This will change to 3 working aged citizens for each retired citizen by 2030.
Just 37 percent of people think they will need long term care, but 69 percent of people actually will.
ACCORDING TO www.seniorcare.com

In South Dakota 30.15 percent of seniors live alone in South Dakota. 38.45 percent of women and 19.42 percent of men 65 and older live alone.
North Dakota topped the nation with 31.73 percent of seniors living alone, of which 40.26 percent are women and 20.66 precent are men, 65 and older.
South Dakota ranked fourth, first was North Dakota, second Rhode Island, and third, Nebraska.
Use these key statistics to learn more about Huron, SD seniors.
• 18 percent of the population of Huron, SD are seniors Source: Census.gov
• 36 percent of those seniors living in Huron, SD are living alone Source: Census.gov
• 9 percent of Huron senior households have an annual income of less than $10k and 33 percent less than $20k Source: Census.gov ACS
• 20 percent of Huron, SD residents 60 and over received food stamps in the last year Source: Census.gov ACS
• The average Social Security Income in Huron is $14,456/year Source: Census.gov ACS
• The median household income for a Huron senior is $30,994 Source: Census.gov ACS
• Compared to other states, South Dakota ranks 29th for Long Term Care and 23rd for America’s Health Rankings Source: AmericasHealthRankings.org
• There are 332 working seniors in Huron Source: Census.gov ACS
• 21 percent of the seniors in Huron are veterans Source: Census.gov ACS
The average Social Security income per household receiving the benefit in Huron is $14,456
The average retirement income per household receiving it in Huron is $18,208
The median household income for seniors in Huron is $30,994
16 percent of seniors in Huron are employed.
19 percent of Huron seniors have a college degree.
97 percent of seniors living in Huron speak English at home.
7 percent of the seniors in Huron are below the poverty level.
17 percent of senior homeowners in Huron have a mortgage.
There are 814 seniors living alone in Huron. Of these, 74 percent are female.
72 percent of males 65 and older are married compared with 39 percent of females.
48 percent of females are widowed compared with 11 percent of males.

SeniorCare.com is dedicated to informing consumers about the realities and options within the senior care industry. We bring together established experts in the senior industry to discuss the pivotal issues the country faces as the demand increases for quality senior living and health care for the growing aging population. In addition to SeniorCare.com, we operate a a collection of online brands that offer in-depth content and provider directories for various segments of the senior care industry, such as assisted living, home care, skilled nursing and adult day care.