Getting Older in America
A Look at Life After 65 — Challenges, Triumphs, and What’s Next
Think about your neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, who just celebrated her 90th birthday with a backyard barbecue, or Mr. Lee down the hall who volunteers at the local library every week. Americans age 65 and older are not only living longer, but they’re also changing the face of our neighborhoods, workplaces, and even how we think about getting older.
The Faces Behind the Numbers
Walk into any senior center and you’ll see a mix of people from all walks of life. While women still outnumber men—just ask Joan, who’s 87 and leads the book club—there’s also more diversity than ever. You might meet Maria, a 70-year-old retired teacher from Puerto Rico, or Samir, who moved here from India and now spends his mornings gardening. States like Florida, Maine, and West Virginia are packed with older folks, but even small towns everywhere are seeing more gray hair at the grocery store. And fun fact: there were over 97,000 Americans who hit the big 1-0-0 in 2022—imagine the birthday cakes!
Health: The Good, The Bad, and The Real
Lots of older people, like my aunt Carol, say they feel pretty healthy. But let’s be honest, it’s not all sunshine and smooth sailing. Chronic conditions like heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and obesity are common—most folks over 65 have at least one, and many juggle two or more. My friend Bill, who’s 72, swears by his morning walks to keep his arthritis at bay. But not everyone has the same shot at staying healthy. Some, especially people of color or those with less money, struggle more. For example, Ms. Ramirez in my building has trouble finding fresh veggies nearby, and she worries about her blood sugar. Where you live and what you can afford still makes a big difference in how well you age.
Money Matters… and Sometimes, Money Problems
If you’ve ever chatted with retirees at the diner, you’ll hear worries about rising prices. The average annual income for older adults hovers around $28,000, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Women, people of color, and folks living alone—like my neighbor Doris—often have a tougher time making ends meet. About 10% of seniors live under the poverty line, and that number’s even higher for Black, Hispanic, and solo older women. The cost of everything—from rent to medication to just keeping the lights on—keeps going up. People like Mr. Patel, who’s on a fixed income, often have to decide between buying his prescriptions or fixing his leaky roof. These everyday struggles are real and show just how complex life can be after 65.