Health Statistics, Data and Report

The Profile of Older Americans is an annual summary of critical statistics related to the older population in the United States. Principal sources of data are the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Center for Health Statistics, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Profile illustrates the shifting demographics of Americans age 65 and older. It includes key topic areas such as income, living arrangements, education, and health.

Recent data highlights the severe health impacts of social isolation and loneliness, particularly among low-income, underserved, and vulnerable subpopulations.

Research on rural-urban health disparities among older adults often focuses on clinical outcomes, providing a limited understanding of overall differences in older adult social, emotional, and physical well-being and safety by rurality. This report from the University of Minnesota Rural Health Research Center examines three risk factors for poor health outcomes among older adults by rural-urban residence: injury, food insecurity, and lack of social and emotional support.