Older (White) Americans Live Longer, Larger

Study sees age, wealth increasing, but gap remains between races
By Eleanor Villforth,  Newser User
Posted Mar 28, 2008 4:55 PM CDT
Older (White) Americans Live Longer, Larger
By 2030, 20% of the US population will be over 65.   ((c) zappowbang)

Americans over age 65 have better financial security, are better educated and expected to live far longer than ever, a study finds—but huge gaps remain between results for whites and those for blacks and Latinos. "The life expectancy gap between whites and blacks has narrowed but is still large," a researcher tells Reuters. "There is a big wealth gap between whites and blacks."

The report forecasts that by 2030, the number of Americans over 65 will nearly double to 71.5 million, or 20% of population. Seniors' average net worth has increased almost 80% over the past 20 years—as has their weight: 37% of 65- to 74-year-old women are obese. And US life expectancy remains lower than in many other high-income countries. (Read more elderly stories.)

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