Age Without Injury—Still Going Strong Campaign

"Injuries from falls and car crashes are more common as we age. You can take simple steps to prevent these injuries from happening, so you can stay healthy and independent longer.

Older adults – those age 65 and older—are at an increased risk of health problems and injuries from falls and car crashes. CDC developed the Still Going Strong campaign to help older adults and their caregivers learn about risk factors for falls and crashes—and ways to prevent them.

Injuries Are Common as We Age

Over 10,000 people in the United States turn 65 every day. Each year, older adults experience 36 million falls and 1.6 million car crashes. An injury from a fall or car crash can decrease their independence. But, getting older doesn’t have to mean giving up your favorite hobbies and activities.

It’s important for older adults and their caregivers to understand common injuries that can happen as we age and what we can do to prevent these injuries.

Older Adults Can Take Simple Steps to Prevent Injuries

• Tell your doctor if you have fallen, if you feel unsteady when standing or walking, or if you’re afraid you might fall. Talk to your doctor about fall prevention and safe driving strategies.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review the medicines you take—both prescription and over the counter. Some medicines might make you dizzy or sleepy or may reduce your reaction time.
• Have an eye doctor check your eyes at least once a year and update your eyeglasses as needed.
• Have your doctor check your feet at least once a year and discuss proper footwear to reduce your risk of falling.
• Do exercises that make your legs stronger and improve your balance, like Tai Chi.
• Make your home safer by removing throw rugs, using extra lighting or brighter light bulbs, installing grab bars in bathrooms and handrails on both sides of staircases.
• Only drive during daylight and in good weather, and always wear a seat belt—as a driver or passenger.
• Never drink and drive—alcohol reduces coordination, impairs judgement, and increases the risk of being in a crash.
• Plan your drive to find the safest route and leave a large following distance between your car and the car in front of you.
• Avoid distractions in your car, such as listening to a loud radio and talking or texting on your phone.
• Consider riding with a friend or family member, taking a ride share service, or using public transportation.
• If you have fallen or are in a car crash, have your doctor check you for signs and symptoms of a brain injury..."
  Age and injury 

Population Estimates Show Aging Across Race Groups Differs

"The nation as a whole continues to grow older with the median age increasing to 38.2 years in 2018, up from 37.2 years in 2010. The pace of this aging is different across race and ethnicity groups, according to new 2018 Population Estimates by demographic characteristics for the nation, states and counties, released today by the U.S. Census Bureau.

From 2010 to 2018, the U.S. population’s median age increased by 1.0 years. Amongst the different race groups:

• The white alone-or-in-combination population increased by 1.0 years.
• The black or African American alone-or-in-combination population grew by 1.4 years.
• The American Indian and Alaska Native alone-or-in-combination population increased by 2.2 years.
• The Asian alone-or-in-combination population increased by 1.7 years.
• The Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander alone-or-in-combination population increased by 2.6 years.
• The Hispanic (any race) population experienced an increase in median age of 2.2 years..."
  Population and aging

Aging without Injury

"One in four older adults who are 65 years of age will live into their 90s. Although risk of injury increases as we age, aging without injury is possible. Older adults can take specific steps to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe from injury.

The month of May is designated Older Americans Month to celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of older Americans in every community. This year, consider sharing vital information to help those 65 years and older age without injury.

Age Safely

People age 65 and older are at higher risk for injury. Common injuries include:

• Falls―the leading cause of injury and injury death among adults 65 years of age and older.
• Motor vehicle crashes―the second leading cause of injury death for older adults.
• Traumatic brain injury and concussion―commonly result from falls and motor vehicle crashes. Older adults age 75+ are at greatest risk..."
  Aging and injury

Labor Force Participation Rates for An Aging World – 2015

"Today the U.S. Census Bureau released An Aging World-2015, a report that examines the older population’s demographic, health and economic characteristics in the United States and around the world. The Census Bureau regularly tracks trends in international aging and examines their significance. In the coming decades, almost all countries will see an increase in their older population because of expected improvements in health and falling fertility.

Among the key findings highlighted in the report are the proportions of the older population in the labor force (e.g., those who are either employed or seeking employment). The labor force participation rate varies widely across age groups, countries and sex. For instance, at least 90 percent of men in their late 40s are in the labor force in most countries of the world. However, rates generally decline for each successively older age group...

For full report see(http://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2016/cb16-54.html) .."
Labor force and aging

Memory and Healthy Aging

"Some declines in cognition and memory with age are normal, but sometimes they can signal problems. Learn the signs and symptoms of dementia and cognitive impairments so you can help the older adults in your life seek treatment at the right time.

September is Healthy Aging Month, a great time to learn the signs and symptoms associated with dementia and cognitive impairments. Physical activity, social engagement, and a healthy diet help prevent chronic conditions and increase the longevity and quality of life of older adults, but despite engaging in these healthy activities, some adults may develop memory loss or dementia. Some declines in memory are a normal part of aging, but sometimes they can signal a problem. Learn how to tell the difference..."
Memory

Tune in on July 13 to Join a National Conversation on Aging in America

"2015 marks the 50th anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act, as well as the 80th anniversary of Social Security. On July 13, President Obama will host the 2015 White House Conference on Aging. It will be an opportunity to recognize the importance of these landmark programs, while looking ahead to address the issues that will improve the quality of life for older Americans for the next decade..." 
2015 Whitehouse Conference on Aging

2015 White House Conference on Aging

"2015 marks the 50th anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid, and the Older Americans Act, as well as the 80th anniversary of Social Security. The 2015 White House Conference on Aging is an opportunity to recognize the importance of these key programs as well as to look ahead to the issues that will help shape the landscape for older Americans for the next decade.

In the past, conference processes were determined by statute with the form and structure directed by Congress through legislation authorizing the Older Americans Act. To date, Congress has not reauthorized the Older Americans Act, and the pending bill does not include a statutory requirement or framework for the 2015 conference.."
Conference on Aging

2015 White House Coference on Aging

"I am deeply honored to serve as the Executive Director of the 2015 White House Conference on Aging and welcome you to our website. This website provides a regular blog, updates on recent events, and opportunities for you to get involved. Here you will also find information on key issues that we will explore in the 2015 White House Conference on Aging. The coming months will be a time for us to engage in a dialogue and build a shared vision on how to continue to maximize the contributions of Americans as we age, and how to advance priorities such as healthy aging, a secure retirement, accessing the services and supports older Americans need to remain in their communities, and protecting older Americans from financial exploitation, abuse, and neglect..."
Conference on Aging

America's aging autos

"From 2008 to 2012, the average age of U.S. households’ vehicles increased as owners held on to their cars, trucks, and vans longer. The trend in aging autos coincides with declines in average household income in 2008; however,  subsequent recovery in households’ incomes and a return to previous levels of

expenditures on vehicles in 2012 do not appear to have reversed the pattern of aging.."

Aging Automobiles

U.S. Population Will Get Older but Remain Younger than Most Developed Countries

From Random Sampling, the U.S. Census Bureau's blog[5/6/2014]:
"Between 2012 and 2050, the share of the world’s population age 65 and over is projected to double from 8 percent in 2012 to 16.7 percent in 2050 (see figure). Although the United States is also projected to age over this period, it will remain one of the youngest developed countries, with 20.9 percent of its population 65 and over in 2050.

In contrast, Japan is projected to continue to be the oldest country of those with a population greater than 50,000, with 40.1 percent age 65 and over in 2050. Other developed countries, including Germany, Italy, Spain and Poland, are expected to have nearly one-third of their populations age 65 and over.."
Aged, Aging.

An Aging Nation: the Older Population in the United States

 "This report examines how the age structure of the U.S. population is expected to change over the coming decades and focuses on the older population in terms of age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin. The size and structure of the older population is important to public and private interests, both socially and economically..."

Aging Nation

Aging and Health, 2013

"Longer life spans and aging baby boomers will combine to double the population of older Americans during the next 25 years to about 72 million. Heart disease, cancer, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes continue to be the leading cause of death among older adults..."
Aging and Health

Older Americans 2012 Key Indicators of Well-Being

"Older Americans 2012: Key Indicators of Well-Being (Older Americans 2012) provides a comprehensive, easy-to-understand picture of our older population’s health, finances, and well-being. It is the sixth such chartbook prepared by the Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics (Forum). Readers will
find here an accessible compendium of indicators drawn from the most reliable official statistics. The indicators are again categorized into five broad groups: population, economics, health status, health risks and behaviors, and health care. In addition, the report contains a special feature on end-of-life care and place of death..."

2010 Census Shows Nation's Population is Aging
"The U.S. Census Bureau released today a 2010 Census brief on our nation's changing age and sex composition that shows the nation grew older while the male population grew faster than the female population over the last decade.

According to Age and Sex Composition: 2010 [PDF], the median age of Americans is now 37.2, with seven states recording a median age of 40 or older. The brief also shows the male population grew 9.9 percent between 2000 and 2010, while the female population grew 9.5 percent. Of the total 2010 Census population, 157.0 million people were female (50.8 percent) and 151.8 million were male (49.2 percent)..."

Older Americans 2010: Key Indicators of Well-Being
"Today’s older Americans enjoy longer lives and better health than did previous generations.
These and other trends are reported in Older Americans 2010: Key Indicators of Well-Being, a
unique, comprehensive look at aging in the United States from the Federal Interagency Forum on
Aging-Related Statistics.

Older Americans 2010, the fifth report prepared by the Forum since 2000, provides an updated,
accessible compendium of indicators, drawn from the most reliable official statistics about the
well-being of Americans primarily age 65 and older. The indicators are categorized into five
broad areas—population, economics, health status, health risks and behaviors, and health care.
The 155-page report contains data on 37 key indicators..."

Aging and Health: The Challenges of Entitlement Growth
Selected charts illustrating the growth of entitlements through 2018.