The growth of the population age 65 and older has affected every aspect of our society, presenting challenges as well as opportunities to policymakers, families, businesses, and health care providers. In 2000, there was an estimated 35 million people age 65 or older in the United States, accounting for almost 13 percent of the total population. The number of older Americans has increased more than ten-fold since 1900, when there were 3 million people age 65 or older (4 percent of the total population).

In 2011, the “baby boom” generation will begin to turn 65, and by 2030, it is projected that one in five people will be age 65 or older. The size of the older population is projected to double over the next 30 years, growing to 70 million by 2030.

The population age 85 and older is currently the fastest growing segment of the older population. In 2000, an estimated 2 percent of the population is age 85 and older. By 2050, the percentage in this age group is projected to increase to almost 5 percent of the U.S. population. The size of this age group is especially important for the future of our health care system, because these individuals tend to be in poorer health and require more services than the younger old.


This resource guide is organized by topic. To access the resource guide information just select one of the links below. Each major section includes a brief introduction, a list of key terms, links to materials for review, and additional online resources.


Every effort has been made to ensure the links and phone numbers contained in this guide are up-to-date, accurate and accessible; however, NASU and the National Aging I&R Support Center would appreciate being appraised of any links or phone numbers that are not functioning. The user can e-mail sshepherd@nasua.org with editing requests.

Links and phone numbers contained in this online guide to any non-governmental entity, product, service or information does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by NASUA or any of its employees. NASUA and the National I&R Support Center are not responsible for the contents of any "off-site" web pages referenced this guide. Although our page includes links to sites including or referencing good collections of information, NASUA does not endorse ANY specific products or services provided by public or private organizations.

• Eldercare Locator
  Call 1-800-677-1116, Monday-Friday between 9 am - 8 pm ET
• Alzheimer's Association
  Toll-free Contact Center 1-800-272-3900 (available 24 hours/day)
• HHS Information and Hotline Directory
• HUD Housing Counseling & Referral
  1-800-569-4287 for general housing concerns and to report fraud or abuse in the reverse mortgage program.
• Senior Legal Hotline Directory (AoA)
• MEDICARE
  1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). For the hearing impaired TTY/TDD: 1-877-486-2048.
• National Accessible Travelers Database (Easter Seals Project Action)
  Call 1-800-659-6428 if more specific information is needed.
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
  800-799-SAFE (7233) or 800-787-3244 (TTY)
• National Energy Assistance and Referral (NEAR) project
  Information on the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Toll-free: 1-866-674-6327.
• Social Security
  Toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET. For the deaf or hard of hearing: TTY number, 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• State Food Stamp Information/Hotline Numbers
• Federal Transit Administration Toll-Free Americans with Disabilities Act Assistance Line
  Toll-free 1-888-446-4511.
• US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General Hotline 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477).
• US Railroad Retirement Board
  Help-Line 1-800-808-0772.