Elder Statistics

According to the US Department of Health and Human Services: Administration on Aging, the population of persons 65 years or older reached 35 million in the year 2000. This represented more than 12% of the entire US population and accounted for one in every eight Americans. It is estimated that by 2030 there will be 70 million older persons living in this country as the "baby boom" generation reaches age 65. That's more than twice the number of elderly as in 2000.

Today, nearly 10 million elderly live alone; most with at least one chronic illness. It is believed that among those 65-74 years of age, nearly 30% suffer from chronic disease including arthritis, diabetes, cancer, stroke, hypertension, heart disease, obesity, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, emphysema, macular degeneration, and others. By the time someone reaches age 75, they have a greater than 50% chance of being afflicted by some type of disability.

Many caregivers themselves are over the age of sixty-five. Caregivers dedicate an average of 20 hours per week to provide care for an older person. This may be even greater when the older person has increased physical needs. This work is physically demanding, particularly for older caregivers, who make up half of all caregivers. Because this is such an emotionally draining experience, caregivers experience depression at three times the rate of others in their own age group. They are more likely to become physically ill and are at risk themselves for multiple diseases and disabilities. VPASJ also provides for the caregiver as well through our network of support and resources.