Number of U.S. Seniors Expected to Double by 2050

A recent report shows that the number of older individuals living in the United States is expected to double by 2050, which could harm the countries healthcare system.

"The United States is projected to age significantly over this period, with 20 percent of its population age 65 and over by 2030," said Jennifer Ortman, chief of the Population Projections Branch at the census bureau, via Health Day.

Two U.S. Census Bureau reports show that the current population of 43 million older U.S. residents will hit the 80 million mark by 2050.

"The projected growth of the older population in the United States will present challenges to policy makers and programs, such as Social Security and Medicare. It will also affect families, businesses and health care providers," researchers noted, via a press release.

An examination of the ratio of working adults to retirees also showed that by 2030, the number of retirees aged 65 and up will increase from 22 percent to 35 per 100 working-age adults. By 2010, researchers predict that the number could increase to 36 per 100 working-age adult.

"The projected growth of the older population in the United States will present challenges to policy makers and programs, such as Social Security and Medicare. It will also affect families, businesses and health care providers," researchers said, according to FOX News.

More information regarding the two reports can be seen here: "An Aging Nation: The Older Population in the United States" and "The Baby Boom Cohort in the United States: 2012 to 2060."