2008: Retirement Resources

Number of People aged 55–64

Over the past ten years, the number of U.S. residents aged 55–64 has grown dramatically. This large increase is primarily due to the aging of the baby boomers.

Chart 1. Number of people aged 55–64, 1984, 1994, 2004 and projected 2014, 2024, and 2034
Number of people aged 55-64, 1984, 1994, 2004 and projected 2014, 2024, and 2034—the number of people aged 55-64 increased by 7 million from 1984-1994 to around 29 million in 2004 and is projected to increase another 10-12 million by 2014-2034 to around 39-42 million.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Population Estimates and International Database.

Between 1984 and 2004, the number of people aged 55–64 increased from approximately 22 million to 29 million. This increase is primarily due to the leading edge of the baby boomers turning age 55 beginning in 2001.
The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the number of people aged 55–64 will increase to almost 40 million in 2014, 42 million in 2024, and then decrease to 39 million in 2034.

Last Modified: 12/31/1600 7:00:00 PM