Did you know? Fun facts for seniors
Age doesn’t determine your ability to succeed, learn, or create.
Older adults represent a growing population with significant voting power.
Lifestyle, learning, stress, and sleep may all play a role in the aging experience.
Believe it or not, life after 65 is about much more than game nights and golf courses. You may feel wiser, know yourself better, and find new ways to use your voice and creativity. Here are some interesting facts about aging and older adults that may surprise you.
1. Age doesn’t determine success
Harland David Sanders, better known as Colonel Sanders, founded Kentucky Fried Chicken at age 65!
2. We lose a few bones along the way
We’re born with 350 bones in our skeleton. As we grow and age, some of those bones fuse together, leaving us with 206 bones as adults.
3. Older adults hold significant voting power
When it comes to voting in the United States, adults age 60 and older cast more ballots than any other age group.
4. Creativity doesn’t diminish with age
Laura Ingalls Wilder didn’t publish Little House in the Big Woods until age 65. Millard Kaufman published his first novel at 90!
5. Older adults are living longer
Advances in health care and technology are helping people live longer. By 2040, the population of adults older than 85 is expected to nearly triple, growing from 5.7 million to 14.1 million.
6. The older population is also growing faster
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, older adults make up the fastest-growing age group in the United States.
7. Lifestyle may influence how you age
Studies suggest that genetics control only 30% of the characteristics associated with aging. Chosen lifestyle factors control the remaining 70%.
8. Stress may decrease after 65
Despite reporting concerns about health and money, adults age 65 and older experience less stress.
9. Learning may support brain health
In response to learning, older adults can grow new neurons over time, which may help fight dementia.
10. Sleeping habits change over time
Our sleeping patterns change as we age. We tend to get tired earlier and wake up earlier.
Planning for costs with the Cost of Care tool
Planning ahead can make future care decisions easier. Explore care costs and resources designed to help you prepare.
Written by
Emma Rodbro
Emma’s passion for reducing social isolation in aging populations was undoubtedly influenced by her own experience as a teenager and spending time with her grandfather. Emma went on to earn her Bachelor or Arts in Public Health and Sociology from Brown University and h...
