Population Growth Articles
Browse population growth articles exploring how an aging U.S. population impacts healthcare, housing, transportation, and social services.
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Housing Solutions for an Aging America
As America’s aging population continues to grow, the supply of affordable and accessible housing has not kept up, leading to a shortage of stable housing options for older adults. Adults age 50+ are the fastest growing segment of the U.S. population experiencing homelessness, and the number of homeless older adults is expected to triple by 2030. This presents an urgent need for housing solutions t...
Creating the Strategic Framework for a National Plan on Aging
Aging in America and the Case for a National Plan on AgingThere are more than 77 million adults ages 60 and older living in the United States, representing more than 23% of its total population, and this cohort is expected to continue growing rapidly in the coming years. In addition, more people are aging with a disability. Our changing demographics require all levels of government, along with key...
Mapping America's Aging Future: What the National Aging Readiness Dashboard Reveals
New West Health Mosaic data tool maps the state of aging in America — showing who's ready and where we need to catch up. A demographic shift unlike any in our history is unfolding across America. By 2034, adults 65 and older will outnumber children under 18 for the first time ever. This isn't just a statistical curiosity — it's a transformation that touches everything from healthcare to housing to...
Tracking Healthcare Affordability and Value
The percentage of Americans who can afford and access prescription drugs and quality healthcare stands at a new low of 55%, a six-point decline since 2022, according to the West Health-Gallup Healthcare Affordability Index. The index was developed in 2021 to track the percentage of Americans who say they have avoided medical care or not filled prescription medications in the last three months, and...
How Transportation Shapes Health Care Access for Older Adults
As we age, access to transportation greatly influences our ability to maintain independence and engage in essential daily activities. For more than 11 million older adults who no longer drive, reliable transportation often determines whether they can access timely care, manage their chronic conditions, grocery shopping, and stay connected to their communities. Nearly 10% of older adults over age 6...
Critical Need for Emergency Department Innovations to Improve Care for Seniors
The proportion of the U.S. population over 65 years of age is significantly increasing.In 2015, 46 million seniors made up 15% of the U.S. population. That number is expected to double to morethan 98 million, representing nearly 24% of the population by 2060. As the population ages, the proportion of older adults requiring healthcare services is significantly increasing.Seniors account for a dispr...