Older Adults
Approximately 800 million people (11% of the world population) are over the age of 60; 109 million people (2% of the world population) are over the age of 80. These percentages are expected to double by the year 2050. Countries with the highest proportion of 60+ population are found in Europe (where many countries have rates close to 25%) and Japan (31%). Nearly 1 in 10 people are projected to be over 80 in these countries by 2050. Four to 6% of elderly people have experienced some form of maltreatment at home.
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Approximately 40 million Americans (13% of the population, or almost 1 in 7) are aged 65 or older and almost 4% are aged 80 or older. States with the highest elderly (65+) population include Florida (17%), West Virginia (16%), and Maine (16%). As many as 1 in 20 Americans aged 65 or older have been injured, mistreated, or exploited by someone whom they depend on for care. The most common type of domestic elder abuse is neglect.
UN Department of Economic & Social Affairs – World Population Prospects: The 2010 Revision
World Health Organization – Elder Maltreatment
Administration on Aging – Aging Statistics
National Council on Aging – Elder Abuse Facts
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