Philadelphia's Older Population
There are 276,000 Philadelphia residents age 60 years and older, representing 19% of the total City population. Within the population, 36% are at least 75 years old, and 8% are age 85 and older.
Older Philadelphians experience poverty at almost twice the rate of senior citizens elsewhere in Pennsylvania, and in the nation. Among Philadelphia residents age 60 and older, 43% are living below 200% of the poverty level; research shows that at this income level, people have difficulty paying for one or more of the basics; food, shelter and medication.
Both locally and nationwide, the aging population is growing. In the ten years between 1999 and 2009 the number of Americans age 65+ increased from 35.3 million to 39.6 million. One in eight Americans – 12.9% – is now age 65 or older. In this, Philadelphia mirrors the nation; 12% of Philadelphians are 65+. In addition, 53% of the city’s age 65+ population are minority, foreign born, or both.
With the aging of the “baby boom” generation, the population 65+ will continue to increase, reaching 55 million by 2020. With this growth comes the need for a compassionate, highly skilled workforce to meet the demands.
updated 6/11