The purpose of this report is to present information on how the age structure of the overall population and the composition of the older population in terms of age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin are expected to change over the next four decades.

The aging of the population will have wide-ranging implications for the country. As the United States ages over the next several decades, its older population will become more racially and ethnically diverse. Projecting the size and structure, in terms of age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin, of the older population is important to public and private interests, both socially and economically. The projected growth of the older population in the United States will present challenges to policy makers and programs, such as Social Security and Medicare. It will also affect families, businesses, and health care providers.