Population Growth
Sacramento Senior Population
The Sacramento region is facing a surge in the number of aging baby boomers. The growth in the senior population is increasing significantly faster than the population as a whole – especially the 85+ population. Nationwide the number of Americans 85+ will triple in number by the year 2020.
The total population of Sacramento County is over 1.2 million. More than 11 percent, or 134,000 persons are age 65 and over, similar to the State’s 10.9 percent figure. While the Sacramento region’s total population has increased 19 percent in the past decade, the 65 to 84 age group has increased 23 percent, and the 85+ age group has increased 65 percent
Seniors prefer to remain in the community rather than live in institutional settings. Sixty-five percent of Sacramento’s seniors live in family situations, 28 percent live alone, and less than 3 percent live with non-relatives. This strong desire for independence increases the demand for community-based services such as Meals on Wheels to help seniors remain in their homes with dignity.
Excerpts taken from the United Way Senior Summit – Serving Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento, & Yolo Counties, Recommendations and Findings, February 23, 2001
California Senior Population
California has the largest elderly population in the nation. An estimated 3.3 million Californians are age 65 and older. This population is expected to reach 5 million by 2010 and to exceed 7 million in 2020. The fastest growth among California's seniors is in the age group 85 years and older. Today, 1 in 77 Californians are 85 years old or older; this proportion is projected to be 1 in 62 by 2010 and 1 in 34 by 2040. (2)
Excerpts taken from University of California Press Release 9/30/03.