Statistics Forecast Need for More Care

Q. Since May is Older Americans Month, what do the latest statistics tell us about growing older in the United States? What future needs are unfolding for seniors and their families?

An interesting profile is emerging that does provide a clearer picture of the face of aging in this country today and into the decades ahead. First of all, more people are centenarians. An estimated 104,754 seniors in the United States were at least 100 years old on Nov. 1, 2009, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

What’s more, projections reveal that reaching that magic century mark will become more common. By 2050, the U.S. Census Bureau predicts that 601,000 seniors will be at least 100 years old.

Seniors are a busy bunch as well. An estimated 6.2 million were in the labor force in 2008. Projections indicate that by 2016, the number will reach 10.1 million, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Statistics also reveal a population either living alone or with relatives. Nearly one-third (29 percent) of people 65 and older were widowed in 2009, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Some were relying on family support. In 2008, 68 percent were in households with relatives, 5 percent lived in group quarters and 2 percent lived with non-relatives, as reported by the 2008 American Community Survey.

A study conducted by the Home Instead Senior Care® network found that an overwhelming majority (86 percent) of seniors want to continue living at home for as long as possible. But who will care for this growing number of seniors, which could reach nearly 72 million by 2025?

It should be no surprise that caregiving is emerging as one of the fastest-growing professions in this country. It’s estimated that more than two million caregivers will be needed to keep pace with the demand in the decade ahead. For instance, Home Instead Senior Care, the largest provider of care in the world, currently employs more than 65,000 CAREGivers. For the company to keep pace with projected demand, it will have to double its care force in just two years.

For more information about Home Instead Senior Care of Frederick County, view our eBrochure: http://www.hisc627.digbro.com/, or visit www.homeinstead.com/627.