Older Adult Health

Data are for the U.S.

Fair or poor health
  • Percent of noninstitutionalized persons age 65 and older in fair or poor health: 24.3% (2023)

Source: Interactive Summary Health Statistics for Adults: National Health Interview Survey, 2019-2023

Difficulty with self care
  • Percent of noninstitutionalized persons age 65 and older who had any difficulty with self care: 9.0% (2023)

Source: Interactive Summary Health Statistics for Adults, 2019-2023

Obesity
  • Percent of noninstitutionalized persons with obesity (August 2021-August 2023)
    • Men ages 60 and older: 38.0%
    • Women ages 60 and older: 39.6%

Source: Obesity and Severe Obesity Prevalence in Adults: United States, August 2021–August 2023

Hypertension
  • Percent of noninstitutionalized persons with hypertension (measured high blood pressure or taking high blood pressure medication) (2017-March 2020)
    • Men ages 65–74: 71.8%
    • Men age 75 and older: 83.2%
    • Women ages 65–74: 73.7%
    • Women age 75 and older: 84.1%

Source: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Published by: Health, United States. Table Htn and NCHS Data Query System.

Life expectancy at 65 years
  • Both sexes: 18.9 years
  • Men: 17.5 years
  • Women: 20.2 years

Source: Mortality in the United States, 2022 (Figure 1)

Mortality
  • Number of deaths of persons age 65 and older: 2,426,775
  • Deaths per 100,000 population:
    • 65–74: 1,978.7
    • 75–84: 4,708.2
    • 85 and older: 14,389.6

Source: National Vital Statistics System – Mortality Data (2022) via CDC WONDER

Leading causes of death among persons ages 65 and older