In 1963, President John F. Kennedy designated May as Senior Citizens Month, encouraging the nation to pay tribute in some way to older people across the country. In 1980, a proclamation by President Jimmy Carter changed the name to Older Americans Month, a time to celebrate those 65 and older through ceremonies, events, and public recognition. Here are some facts about Americans 65 and older from the U.S. Census Bureau:
- On July 1, 2009, this age group accounted for 13 percent of the total population.
- Between 2008 and 2009, this age group increased by 770,699 people.
- It is projected that there will be 88.5 million Americans 65 and older in 2050.
- In 2009, there were 6.5 million people in this age group in the labor force — 55 % worked full time and 42 % were in management, professional, and related occupations. It is projected by by 2018, there will be 11.1 million Americans 65 and older in the labor force.
- In 2009, there were 4.1 million people 65 and older living in California, the highest total of any state. Florida, with 3.2 million, and New York, with 2.6 million, were the runners-up.