Aging In America – By The Numbers

May is Older American’s Month. This observance was created by the Administration for Community Living to bring awareness to the unique mental, physical and emotional needs of older adults.

America’s older population has grown by 38 percent since 2010. So how are they doing? Many are living longer, but with that comes further challenges. Here are some statistics:

• In 2020, a national survey counted 104,819 people aged 100 and older. That’s more than triple the number from 1980.
• More than 1/3 of adults ages 50-80 reported feeling isolated from others at least some of the time. Along with the emotional pain of loneliness, isolation has been linked to a decline in cognitive function.
• Eighty percent of older adults have two or more chronic conditions, such as heart disease, arthritis and diabetes.
• Surveys of older men have found that only 30 to 50 percent of them get regular doctor checkups.
• Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults.
• Nearly 18 million Americans are eligible for SilverSneakers, a national community fitness program offered at thousands of locations (including locally at St. Joseph’s/Candler’s Wellness Center), at no additional cost through certain Medicare Advantage, group retiree and Medicare Supplement plans.
  

Fear of falling is one reason that some adults limit their activities, but research has shown that limiting activity can result in a higher risk of falling, worsening chronic conditions and isolation. Learn more by taking our quiz on the next page.

Sources: Administration for Community Living, the American Association of Retired Persons and The National Council on Aging.

If you live in or near Savannah and are aged 55 or older, there is a program designed just for you. SmartSenior creates and engages a healthy and active community for adults 55 and older throughout southeast Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry. With approximately 2,000 members, SmartSenior is a comprehensive program offering fun for the body, mind and spirit of older adults. Learn more at www.sjchs.org/smartsenior or call 912-352-4405.