In 2026, about 19.2 percent of the American population was over 65 years of age. This figure is forecast to reach 22.8 percent by 2050. In 1950, U.S. seniors accounted for only eight percent of the population.
A rapidly aging population
In recent years, the aging population of the United States has come into focus as a cause for concern, as the nature of work and retirement is expected to change to keep up. If a population is expected to live longer than the generations before, the economy will have to change as well to fulfill the needs of the citizens. In addition, the birth rate in the U.S. has been falling over the last 20 years, meaning that there are not as many young people to replace the individuals leaving the workforce.
The future population
It’s not only the American population that is aging -- the global population is, too. By 2025, the median age of the global workforce is expected to be 39.6 years, up from 33.8 years in 1990. Additionally, it is projected that there will be over three million people worldwide aged 100 years and over by 2050.
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ChildStats.gov. (September 22, 2023). Share of the United States population aged 65 years and older from 1950 to 2050 [Graph]. In ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Retrieved July 29, 2026, from /statistics/457822/share-of-old-age-population-in-the-total-us-population/
ChildStats.gov. "Share of the United States population aged 65 years and older from 1950 to 2050." Chart. September 22, 2023. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. Accessed July 29, 2026. /statistics/457822/share-of-old-age-population-in-the-total-us-population/
ChildStats.gov. (2023). Share of the United States population aged 65 years and older from 1950 to 2050. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ. ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc.. Accessed: July 29, 2026. /statistics/457822/share-of-old-age-population-in-the-total-us-population/
ChildStats.gov. "Share of The United States Population Aged 65 Years and Older from 1950 to 2050." ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ Inc., 22 Sep 2023, /statistics/457822/share-of-old-age-population-in-the-total-us-population/
ChildStats.gov, Share of the United States population aged 65 years and older from 1950 to 2050 ÌÇÐÄÆƽâ°æ, /statistics/457822/share-of-old-age-population-in-the-total-us-population/ (last visited July 29, 2026)
Share of the United States population aged 65 years and older from 1950 to 2050 [Graph], ChildStats.gov, September 22, 2023. [Online]. Available: /statistics/457822/share-of-old-age-population-in-the-total-us-population/
