The graying of America

individual of the biggest and greatest in quantity important demographic changes facing the United States is the aging of our population. the one and the other the number and proportion of older race are increasing. In 2000, 35 million Americans were age 65 and older representing 124 percent of the total population. The older population is wait fored to reach 54 million in 2020 and more than double by dint of 2050, accounting for 20 percent of our population.

The graying of America may have wide-ranging implications for the regimen industry if future spending patterns of the somewhat advanced in life follow those of today's older age clump Researchers with USDA's Economic Research Service (ERS) examined at-home commons expenditure data and found that households headed by means of individuals age 65-74 spent more upon cereal and cereal products, dairy outcomes poultry, and processed vegetables than other age clumps while households headed by individuals age 75 and older worn out more on fruit and nonalcoholic beverages. The somewhat advanced in life generally spend less eating without Away-from-home food expenditures for those age 75 and older were 30 percent lower than the average of all households AND 23 percent lower than those age 65-74

Older Americans today are living longer are better educated, and are more prosperous than previous generations. on the contrary disparities among the older population continue to exist between men and women racial and ethnic clusters and income classes.

Analysis by the agency of ERS shows that 94 percent of households with an somewhat old person in 2000 were sustenance secure--access at all times to enough sustenance for an active, healthy life for all household members. Eighty-eight percent of U households with no somewhat old persons present were food confident in 2000. When faced with limited currency or resources for food, a certain quantity of elderly households turn to Federal and community bread assistance programs. An average of 17 million Americans age 60 and older received nutrition stamps each month in 2000 However, sole about a third of older tribe who are eligible participate in the program. USDA and more [i]or[/i] less States have begun testing viands Stamp Program changes designed to increase participation by the agency of eligible older people.

sum of two units areas of caution for the somewhat old in the new century include changing nutrition urgencys and complications from foodborne illnesses. As tribe age, their energy needs decline. Thus, older individuals ne to make wise nutriment choices, selecting nutrient-dense foods and limiting "extras." ER analyses of USDA bread consumption survey data show that greatest in quantity older Americans are having put in commotion fitting the recommended number of daily pabulum group servings into their decreased "calorie budgets" especially older women For example, single 6 percent of older men and 3 percent of older women consum the approveed number of servings from the milk, yogurt and cheese cluster compared with 26 percent of younger men and 15 percent of younger women

While older adults have lower rates of foodborne illness infections than greatest in quantity other age groups, they are more likely to have more [i]or[/i] less of the more severe complications. Older clan and those who prepare their diet must continue to be vigilant about safe fare practices. In the coming years, the somewhat advanced in life as a share of the U population will reach the highest horizontal in history. How we act to obviate foodborne illness, ensure adequate nutrient intakes, and befitting other health and support emergencys for this group will be important issues not single for older Americans but also for the Nation.

Rosanna Mentzer Morrison

Economics Editor, FoodReview

rations and Rural Economics Division

COPYRIGHT 2002 U Department of Agriculture

COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group