1 in 6 Americans Are 65 or Older: 
True
As of 2023, approximately 59.2 million Americans were aged 65 and over, representing about 17% of the total U.S. population—roughly 1 in 6 people . This figure aligns with the statistic you mentioned.
Looking ahead, the number of older adults is projected to increase significantly. By 2030, it’s expected that 1 in 5 Americans will be 65 or older .
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1 in 8 Seniors Living in Poverty: True (Depending on the Measure)
The poverty rate among seniors varies depending on the measurement used:
• Official Poverty Measure: In 2022, about 10.2% of adults aged 65 and over were considered to be living in poverty .
• Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM): This measure accounts for additional factors like out-of-pocket medical expenses. Under the SPM, 14.2% of seniors were living in poverty in 2023 .
Therefore, the statement that “1 in 8 seniors is living in poverty” is accurate when considering the official measure. However, the SPM suggests the rate is closer to 1 in 7.
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Are There 57 Million Seniors in the U.S.?
Yes, this figure is accurate. In 2022, there were approximately 57.8 million adults aged 65 and over in the United States .
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Additional Insights
• Economic Insecurity: Beyond those living below the poverty line, over 17 million older adults (about 1 in 3) have incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level, indicating significant economic insecurity .
• Demographic Disparities: Poverty rates are higher among older women, individuals aged 80 and over, and racial and ethnic minorities .
• Geographic Variations: Poverty rates among seniors vary by state, with some states experiencing rates as high as 17.7% .