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Elder Care Houston–A Profile of Older Americans in 2010

A Profile of Older Americans: 2010

Elder Care in Houston

  • The older population (65+) numbered 39.6 million in 2009, an increase of 4.3 million or 12.5% since 1999.
  • The number of Americans aged 45-64 – who will reach 65 over the next two decades – increased by 26% during this decade.
  • Over one in every eight, or 12.9%, of the population is an older American.
  • Persons reaching age 65 have an average life expectancy of an additional 18.6 years (19.9 years for females and 17.2 years for males).
  • Older women outnumber older men at 22.7 million older women to 16.8 million older men.
  • In 2009, 19.9% of persons 65+ were minorities–8.3% were African Americans.** Persons of Hispanic origin (who may be of any race) represented 7.0% of the older population. About 3.4% were Asian or Pacific Islander,** and less than 1% were American Indian or Native Alaskan.** In addition, 0.6% of persons 65+ identified themselves as being of two or more races.
  • Older men were much more likely to be married than older women–72% of men vs. 42% of women (Figure 2). 42% older women in 2009 were widows.
  • About 30% (11.3 million) of noninstitutionalized older persons live alone (8.3 million women, 3.0 million men).
  • Half of older women (49%) age 75+ live alone.
  • About 475,000 grandparents aged 65 or more had the primary responsibility for their grandchildren who lived with them.
  • The population 65 and over will increase from 35 million in 2000 to 40 million in 2010 (a 15% increase) and then to 55 million in 2020 (a 36% increase for that decade).
  • The 85+ population is projected to increase from 4.2 million in 2000 to 5.7 million in 2010 (a 36% increase) and then to 6.6 million in 2020 (a 15% increase for that decade).
  • Minority populations are projected to increase from 5.7 million in 2000 (16.3% of the elderly population) to 8.0 million in 2010 (20.1% of the elderly) and then to 12.9 million in 2020 (23.6% of the elderly).

Get more facts here

If you or someone you know needs help with elder care in Houston or the surrounding area, contact the caregivers at At Your Side Home Care. We provide quality and affordable in-home care for many seniors, new moms, veterans and disabled loved ones in our community. Call us at 832-271-1600 for more information.

Donna Wrabel, LMSW

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