Last updated September 8, 2026. Each statistic below links directly to its original source.
Adults over 50 are a large, varied part of American life. These figures offer useful context for writers, local businesses, community groups and anyone serving adults in this stage of life.
Key facts at a glance
123 million
Americans were age 50 or older in 2024
That was 36% of the U.S. population, according to AARP's 2026 Longevity Economy Outlook release.
Source: AARP, 2026$12.5 trillion
Annual economic contribution from Americans 50+
AARP reported this contribution in 2026, illustrating the scale of the 50+ consumer and workforce economy.
Source: AARP, 202655.8 million
People were age 65 or older in the 2020 Census
That group represented 16.8% of the United States population, or about one in every six people.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census38.6%
Growth in the 65+ population from 2010 to 2020
The Census Bureau called it the fastest decade of growth for this age group since 1880 to 1890.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census19.7 years
Average remaining life expectancy at age 65 in 2024
This was up 0.2 years from 2023, based on national mortality data.
Source: National Center for Health Statistics, 20241+ million
Adults join the 50+ population each year
AARP reported that the population of Americans age 50 and older is growing by more than one million people annually.
Source: AARP, 20261 in 4
Americans will be over age 65 by 2050
AARP's 2026 outlook points to continued rapid growth in the older population over the next generation.
Source: AARP, 202638.3%
Of employed adults 65+ worked part time in 2024
Part-time work was substantially more common for employed adults 65+ than for younger workers.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 202475%
Of adults 50+ want to remain in their homes as they age
AARP also found that 73% want to remain in their communities throughout their lifetime.
Source: AARP Home and Community Preferences Survey, 2024What these numbers show
The 50+ audience is not a single story. It includes people building businesses, working in new ways, caring for family, following music, making friends and staying involved in the places they call home. The facts also show why familiar businesses, meaningful entertainment and real community connections matter.
Methodology and sources
This fact sheet uses the most recent relevant national figures available from primary public sources and established research organizations as of September 8, 2026. Population figures use Census data, life-expectancy figures use national health data, and employment figures use federal labor statistics. AARP figures are cited from the named releases and surveys.
- AARP Longevity Economy Outlook release, June 2, 2026
- U.S. Census Bureau, older population analysis from the 2020 Census
- National Center for Health Statistics, mortality in the United States, 2024
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, part-time work among employed adults age 65 and older, 2024
- AARP, Home and Community Preferences Survey, 2024
Cite this page
OMTS Podcast. Adults 50+ Statistics: 2026 Facts. Updated September 8, 2026. https://omtspodcast.com/fact-sheets/adults-50-plus
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