By the numbers Older Americans

1963: First year the month of May was designated Older Americans Month by a presidential proclamation

36 million: Number of people 65 and older in the United States, as of July 1, 2004

12: Percentage of the total population in 2004

87 million: Number of people 65 and older projected for the year 2050

21: Percentage of total population at that time

Source: U.S. Census

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