A century ago, the world underwent the industrial revolution, forever changing humanity. Perhaps today, as we enter the roaring 20’s, a transformation has begun, but this one surrounding population. According to a recent report, the U.S. population has grown a staggering 50 million people in the past decade. The senior citizen demographic is no exception. Roughly 10,000 people per day enter their golden years, and by 2030, the entire Baby Boomer generation will have reached the age of Medicare, as reported by Yahoo. Such enormous figures seem almost unfathomable and hard to comprehend.
At What Age Are You Considered a Senior Citizen in the U.S.?
There is a great deal of misinformation surrounding the actual age one becomes a senior citizen. Sure, many 60-year-olds may pass the eye test to receive their senior discount at the movie theatre, and why not save a few bucks? You deserve it. However, you technically become a senior when you reach Medicare at 65 years old. The only exception is if you have been on Social Security Disability Insurance for at least two years, whereby you can enroll in Medicare at the age of 62; however, according to the U.S. Census, you theoretically are still not considered a senior until age 65.
How Many Senior Citizens Live in Greater Philadelphia?
The population of any given area can be challenging to determine, as only a percentage of people send back their mail-in flyer to U.S. Census Bureau or even declare residency to the state. So, in terms of population, exactly how big is greater Philadelphia, and how many senior citizens currently reside in the City of Brotherly Love?
Greater Philadelphia is comprised of five counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, and Philadelphia. Below is a breakdown of statistics derived from the most recent 2019 U.S. Census Bureau report for each county.
Bucks County
As of July 1st, 2019, the total population in Bucks County was 628,270 – a 5% increase from the previous U.S. Census report in 2010. Approximately 19.2% of the population in Bucks County were age 65+, equating to 120,628 people.
Chester County
As of July 1st, 2019, the total population in Chester County was 524,989 – a 5.2% increase from the previous U.S. Census report in 2010. Approximately 16.8% of the population in Chester County were age 65+, equating to 88,198 people.
Delaware County
As of July 1st, 2019, the total population in Delaware County was 566,747 – a 1.4% increase from the previous U.S. Census report in 2010. Approximately 16.8% of the population in Delaware County were age 65+, equating to 95,213 people.
Montgomery County
As of July 1st, 2019, the total population in Montgomery County was 830,915– a 3.9% increase from the previous U.S. Census report in 2010. Approximately 18.2% of the population in Delaware County were age 65+, equating to 151,226 people.
Philadelphia County
As of July 1st, 2019, the total population in Philadelphia County was 1,584,064 – a 3.8% increase from the previous U.S. Census report in 2010. Approximately 14% of the population in Delaware County were age 65+, equating to 221,769 people.
Total Senior Citizen Population in the Greater 5 County Area
When combining the 2019 data for each five counties making up greater Philadelphia, the statistics show as follows:
- Total Population 2019: 4,134,985
- Average Population Increase from 2010: 86%
- Average Senior Citizen Population 2019: 17%
- Total Senior Citizen Population 2019: 677,034
Caring for the Elderly
As we enter a new era of unprecedented population increase among the elderly in the United States, we face both the challenge and responsibility of caring for them. Hospital beds, medical supplies, and caregivers will be in rapid demand, and thus as a society, we must be prepared. At Premier Home Care, Inc., we pride ourselves on taking the extra step in planning for the future by continuously building a team of healthcare professionals dedicated to advancing the art of senior care. We specialize in both skilled and non-medical home care in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. If you or an elderly loved one requires in-home care, please contact us at 215-969-2225 for a free assessment.
