Population Size and Trends
In 2022, Americans age 65 and over who identify themselves from Hispanic origin compromised 9% of all older Americans. There were an estimated 4.6 million older adults in this category in 2020.
By 2060, the Hispanic population is projected to comprise 21% of the older population. By 2028, the Hispanic population aged 65 and older is expected to be the largest racial/ethnic minority in this age group. The older Hispanic/Latino population is expected to grow more quickly than other ethnic minority groups. As of 2022, the older Hispanic/Latino population(8%) is slightly smaller than the Black population (13%) but by 2060, it is expected that the Hispanic/Latino will number approximately 19.9 million whereas the Black population will number 12.1. million.
“Hispanic Origin Population by Gender, Age and Ethnicity” Table and “Percent of population Aged 65 & Over by Ethnic Group” Figure below compare the percentage of each of the total ethnic populations that are 65 and over. Cuban older adults represent the oldest cohort when compared to the other subgroups and make up a higher percentage of elderly over 65 compared to the overall elder population.
Age 85 and Older
The U.S. Census Bureau projections expect the population age 85 and older is expected to increase from 7.1 million in 2025 and growing to about 8.7 million in 2030. The number of people 85 years and older is expected to nearly double by 2035 (to 11.8 million) and nearly triple by 2060 (to 19 million people). The Hispanic/Latino population age 85 and older is expected to increase from 500,000 in 2019 to 3.4 million in 2060.
Centenarians
The overall numbers of US Centenarians are expected to rise significantly between now and 2050. The US Census Bureau projection of the centenarian population will grow into 422,000 in 2054. This demonstrates about a quadriple growth from 2024 projections of about 101,000. According to the Centenarians 2020 Report, by the US Census Bureau, Centenarians represented 2 out of 10,000 people. From 2010 to 2020 the centenarian population increased by 50% from 53, 364 to 80,139 respectively.
The Table above illustrates the growth of this population compared to other groups. This aging cohort may expereince more disabilities requiring more care, and family caregivers may require more support and resources (Andrasfay & Goldman, 2020 ). The author ssuggests this is the case due to: exposure to physically demanding occupations, undertreated chronic pain, differences in healthcare access and treatment. Although Hispanics longevity patterns are positive trends there is a disadvantage in functioning and disability (Andrasfay & Goldman, 2020; Hummer & Hayward, 2015).
Age Compared to other Ethnic Groups
The overall Hispanic/Latino population is relatively young compared to other ethnic groups with the exception of the Cuban population. The median age of the various Hispanic/Latino groups reflect the differences in fertility rates and immigration patterns.
According to the 2024 American Community Survey (U.S. Census Bureau), Hispanics in the U.S. had a median age of 31.2. Mexican Americans have the largest population group of people under the age of 18 at 38%. According to US Census population projections, Hispanic youth (under the age of 18) will represent 2 in 5 Children in the US by 2050. This demographic trend has future implications for caregiving dependency ratios.
