Aging In Alabama
The 2000 U.S. census confirmed the changing population profile of the United States
and Alabama. Approximately one in eight persons are over the age of 65, unprecedented
in the history of the United States. The highest percentage of growth was among
those 85 years and older. Additionally, the number of persons aged 45-64 (the “baby
boomers”) increased by 34% during this same period. At the same time, birth rates
have decreased such that future projections will continue the trend of population
aging and the percentage of older adults will continue to increase through 2030.
Although our aging society reflects the success of many programs (government, economic,
health), there will be many challenges to these programs in the future.
The Core Issues in Aging Class offered on-line through UAB addresses these issues
through a multidisciplinary approach which considers the various dimensions of the
aging process. This course explores individual and societal meanings of aging and
old age through the study of the biological, psychological, and sociological changes
accompanying aging. Current issues and controversies in the study of aging are also
discussed.
This class will be taught by faculty with expertise in the subject areas of biology,
physiology, psychology and sociology.
Opportunities for Faculty Involvement:
Data from this study are available for investigators to analyze for publications
and for use as preliminary data for new grant applications.
Alabama Aging Statistics:
- Life-Expectancy for an Alabamian born in 2000 was 74:
- White Females: 78.7
- White Males: 72.3
- Black and other ethnicities—females: 72.3
- Black and other ethnicities—males: 68.2
- Life-Expectancy for an Alabamian who turned 65 in 2000 was 81.5 years
- In 2000, there were approximately 35,000 Alabamians who celebrated their 65th birthday
- From 2000 to 2001 there was a net increase of 5,246 persons 65 and older
- % Persons over 55: 995,330 or 22%
- % Persons over 65: 579,798 or 13%
- % Persons over 85: 67,301 or 1.5%
- In 2000 there were 897 persons centenarians in Alabama
- The median age (half older and half younger) was 36
- Alabama ranks 25 in the nation for % 65 and older
- 9 in the nation for % 65-74 (U.S. average = 6%)
- 29 in the nation for % 75 and older (U.S. average = 6%)
- Alabama ranks 3 in the highest rate of elders living in poverty 19% (U.S. =
13%)
- Websites with information on Alabama Aging:
Primary Contact Person:
, PhD