Number of adults aged 65 and older

In 2025, the number of adults aged 65 and older is estimated to reach 63.3 million, reflecting a 2.9% increase from the previous year. This growth is primarily driven by the aging of the baby-boomer generation, the largest generation in US history, which continues to move into the 65 and older age cohort. Medical advancements and improved nutrition have resulted in higher life expectancy, further growth in this age cohort.

From 2020 to 2025, the population of adults aged 65 and older expanded significantly, increasing from 54.4 million in 2020 to 63.3 million in 2025. This 16.4% cumulative increase reflects the substantial influx of boomers entering retirement age, offsetting the declines caused by mortality. The annual growth rates during the period ranged from 0.8% during the Coronavirus pandemic, which significantly increased mortality risk among the 65-plus population, to 3.8% in 2024. Alongside this generational effect, advances in healthcare—including better treatments for chronic disease and general longevity improvements—have enabled more individuals to remain in this category for longer periods. The COVID-19 pandemic had the potential to negatively impact this population, but widespread vaccination, improved safety protocols, and heightened public health focus helped protect older adults, mitigating what might have been steeper declines. Improvements in public safety, elderly care services, and senior housing infrastructure also contributed to supporting the growing number of seniors.

Over the five-year period to 2025, the aging of the baby-boomer generation into the 65-and-older age group, combined with advances in healthcare and the mitigating effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, were the principal drivers of population growth in this segment. This influx is expected to maintain upward pressure on the demand for senior-specific care, services, and infrastructure, while also presenting policy challenges and opportunities related to an aging population.