The Older Population Is Changing

The older population is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. By 2040, non-Hispanic whites will make up two-thirds of the population ages 65 and older, down from about seven-eighths in 1980.

Note: The other category includes Asians and Pacific Islanders, American Indians, Alaskan Natives, and people of mixed race.

Widowhood rates among women ages 65 and older will decline dramatically—from around 50 percent in 1980 to 30 percent in 2040—mostly due to longer life spans of their spouses. During the same period more older women will be divorced and more will have never married. As a result, the share of older women that are married will not change much over the next 30 years. Marital status has important implications for future retirement incomes because single older women typically have lower retirement incomes than married women.

Note: The married category includes separated women.

Between 2000 and 2040, the share of older men that are married will fall from 75 to 64 percent, as the shares never married and divorced increase.

Note: The married category includes separated men.

Educational attainment among older Americans will increase in coming decades. By 2040, 88 percent of Americans ages 65 and older will have completed high school, up from 70 percent in 2000. The share with four-year college degrees will more than double between 2000 and 2040.

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Employment and Earnings

References