ABSTRACT
The sharp increase in the number of elderly in the United States — and their share of the total population — in the years ahead is widely recognized. Between 1980 and 2020, they will double from 26 to 52 million persons, or from 27 to 30% of the population. Moreover, the share of elderly over age 75 will surge from 40% in 1980 to 50% in 2000 and then decline somewhat by 2020 only to resurge again (Table 1.1).
