Living to 90 Years and Beyond
More and more Americans are living well into their 90s and some even past 100. That’s amazing, but it also changes how we live, work, and plan for the future.
The Numbers Today
- The median age in the U.S. is now about 39 years old, up from 35 in 2000.
- There are over 61 million people aged 65+, making up nearly a fifth of the country.
- The number of people hitting 100 years or more has passed 100,000, and that number is expected to multiply several times in the next 30 years.
We’re officially an “older” country and getting older every year.
What That Means
- Families are changing. Fewer kids are being born, while grandparents and great-grandparents are sticking around longer.
- Health challenges come with age. Living to 90 doesn’t guarantee being healthy at 90. Issues like dementia, frailty, and chronic illnesses affect a lot of folks.
- Money matters. Retirements are lasting longer, which means savings and planning need to stretch further.
- Big business opportunities. From assisted living to healthcare tech to senior-friendly travel, industries serving older adults are only going to grow.
Why It Matters for All of Us
Our culture often celebrates youth, but the truth is, older adults make up a powerful, growing part of our society. They don’t care about the latest pop star or the hottest app. They want affordable healthcare, safe homes, meaningful travel, and products that make life easier.
The takeaway? We all need to think ahead whether it’s financial planning for ourselves, caring for older family members, or building businesses that serve this booming population.
John Bradley "JJ" Jackson