The National Council on Aging (NCOA) recently shared an important article about senior health. America’s senior population is growing rapidly, with nearly 58 million people age 65 and older today. This number is projected to rise to nearly 89 million by 2060. On average, a 65-year-old can expect to live nearly 19 more years.
While these are encouraging numbers, staying healthy in older age can be a real challenge. Here are some key health facts every older adult should know:
1. Chronic Conditions Are Common
- 93 percent of older adults have at least one chronic condition like diabetes, arthritis, or heart disease; 80 percent have two or more.
- These conditions are the leading causes of death and disability and often require long-term care.
- Despite high costs, over $1 trillion annually, only a small fraction of U.S. health care spending goes toward prevention.
2. Falls Are a Major Risk
- 1 in 4 seniors falls each year, and falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in older adults.
- Every 11 seconds, a senior is treated in the ER for a fall; every 19 minutes, one dies.
- Fall-related injuries cost $50 billion a year, mostly covered by Medicare and Medicaid.
3. Physical Activity Promotes Independence
- Regular exercise can reduce fall risk and prevent disease.
- Guidelines recommend 150 minutes of moderate activity weekly plus strength training, but only 23% of seniors meet this target.
4. Oral Health Impacts Overall Health
- Over a third of older adults haven’t seen a dentist in the past year.
- Poor oral health is linked to nutrition problems and worsened chronic conditions.
- 13 percent have no natural teeth, and 1 in 5 have untreated cavities.
5. Behavioral Health Needs Attention
- 1 in 4 older adults faces mental health or substance use issues.
- Depression, anxiety, and alcohol use can affect treatment outcomes and increase health risks, including suicide, especially among men 85 and older.
- Two-thirds of seniors with behavioral health concerns don’t receive care, despite available treatments.
6. Infectious Disease Prevention Saves Lives
- Seniors account for the majority of deaths from COVID-19 and the flu.
- Vaccine uptake is slowing, even though older adults are also at higher risk of long-term complications like Long COVID.
Bottom line: Healthy aging depends on more than just living longer—it means living well. Preventive care, regular activity, mental health support, and vaccinations all play a critical role in helping older adults maintain independence and quality of life.
With seniors living longer, more needs to be done to promote greater quality of life in those later years. Did you know that Americans aged 82 and over face disproportionate financial challenges when living on a fixed income? The Elder Relief Act is a proposed legislation that would help change this. Learn more about this bill and what we are doing for older Americans here.