Aging in Place: State of the Field, Legislative Landscape, and Policy Recommendations
Over the last 100 years, the average life expectancy for American citizens has increased by nearly 25 years (from 54.1 years in 1920 to 78.6 years in 2017). At the same time, birth rates have fallen by over 50%, from 3.65 births per woman in 1960 to 1.76 births per woman in 2017. These dual processes have resulted in both a growing elderly population and a shrinking youth population. Accordingly, the challenges facing elderly Americans have and will continue to become a significant burden to our nation.
