Aging Statistics & Information

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Statistical Fact Sheets | Older Iowan's Profile: May 2012 | Older Worker Profile: May 2006 | Resources on Aging Statistics | Centenarians | Centenarian Links & Resources

IDA and Aging Statistics

The Iowa Department on Aging maintains and provides population and demographic estimates/projections for age 60+ for the state and for its counties and incorporated places. IDA also provides population estimates on poverty, race and ethnicity, and urban and rural for age 60+. This statistical information is obtained from numerous resources, including the State Data Center of Iowa, US Census Bureau, the Administration on Aging, and Iowa State University Census Services.

"The Census Bureau uses the latest available estimates as starting points for population projections. Sometimes the user may see both an estimate and a projection available for the same reference date, which may not agree because they were produced at different times. In such cases, estimates are the preferred data." (Source: State Data Center)

For more information on Aging Statistics, contact Dick Harmon at (515) 725-3310 or Dick.Harmon@iowa.gov.

Statistical Fact Sheet [In Adobe PDF Format]

• 60+ Population by County (2011 Estimates)
• 60+ Population by AAA (2011 Estimates)
• 60+ Population by County (2010 Census)
• 60+ Population by AAA (2010 Census)
• States Ranked by Age Group as Percent of Total Populaton (2011 Estimates)
• States Ranked by Age Group as Percent of Total Populaton (2010 Census)

Older Iowan's Profile: May 2013

Older Americans Month originated with a presidential proclamation in May 1963 and has been proclaimed by presidents each year since. Last year, President Bush stated, "Older Americans teach us the timeless lessons of courage, sacrifice and love. By sharing their wisdom and experience, they serve as role models for future generations. During Older Americans Month, we pay tribute to our senior citizens and their contributions to our nation."

Iowa Older Worker Profile: May 2006

A large waive of workers born during the Baby Boom of 1946 to 1964 will be leaving the workforce over the next few decades. A larger share than in the past generations may "retire" to collect the pensions they earned over their work life and then continue working part-time or more flexible working arrangements. Planners in Iowa will be able to keep an eye on the impact of such factors and emerging trends by using these Local Employment Dynamics statistics.

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State Data Center of Iowa, the official source for U.S. census statistics about Iowa, at http://www.silo.lib.ia.us/specialized-services/datacenter/index.html.

Other Important Aging Statistics Links:

• Older Americans 2012: Key Indicators of Well-Being This report provides the latest data on the 38 key indicators selected by the Forum to portray aspects of the lives of older Americans and their families. It is divided into five subject areas: population, economics, health status, health risks and behaviors, and health care.

• Latest State & National Population Estimates as of July 1, 2011
  
  
• Administration on Aging (AoA) Statistical Information on Older Persons- a great source of quality information on aging. Especially of interest may be links to the National Aging Information Center, Profile of Older Americans, and the U.S. Census Bureau.
  
  
• Aging Integrated Database (AGID) is an off-site, on-line query system based on AoA-related data files and surveys, and includes population characteristics from the Census Bureau for comparison purposes. The system allows users to produce customized tables in a step-by-step process and output the results in print or spreadsheet form. Please click on the hyperlink above to access the AGID Web site.

• United States Census Bureau- Especially of interest may be American Fact Finder- a great source for population, housing, economic, and geographic data.
  

• Population Projections - The Population Projections Program produces projections of the resident population for each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia by age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin, consistent with the national population projections. The state projections are based on state-specific data on births, IDAths, international migration, and domestic migration. Although several alternative series are produced, the preferred, or middle series--based on the assumption that past and current trends will continue--is most commonly used.
  
  
• U.S. Census Bureau--State and County Quick Facts Click on a state to access the Quicklinks for that state
  

Centenarians

Centenarians are people 100 years of age and older. The Iowa Department on Aging maintains statistics on centenarians who elect to be included on the centenarian registry. The 2000 census approximates the total number for the state is 941. The majority of centenarians are female who usually reside in nursing facilities.

Each spring the Iowa Department on Aging conducts a search for people who will be celebrating their 100th birthday that year, and keeps a registry of these people. New people added to the list each year receive an invitation to an Awards Luncheon at the Annual Governor's Conference on Aging and a certificate signed by the Governor and the Director of the Iowa Department on Aging.

We have provided a Statistical Profile of Iowa Centenarians [PDF Format]. Statisticis are based on information provided by centenarians, their families, or other interested individuals and is offered to the public 'to the best of our knowledge.' For further information on Iowa centenarians, or to register a loved one who is a centenarian, contact the IDA at contactida@iowa.gov.

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Centenarian Links & Resources

1. The White House Greetings Office will send birthday greetings from the President to persons 80 and older. Special greetings can also be sent to recognize 50th anniversaries, weddings, a baby's birth, and other important occasions. For more information, visit. http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/.

2. The Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa will send birthday greetings to centenarians. To request a special greeting for a centenarian.

Please fill out the “Request a Greeting” form below and return it to the Office of Governor Terry E. Branstad. Request forms must be received no later than two weeks prior to the date of requested greeting. Be sure you include the centenarian's date of birth.

Please return request form via mail or fax.

By Mail:

Office of Governor Terry E. Branstad
Attn: Blake Waggoner
State Capitol
Des Moines, Iowa 50319

By Fax:

Office of Governor Terry E. Branstad
Attn: Blake Waggoner
Fax Number: 515-725-3528

Request a Greeting

3. Will you live to be a centenarian? An interesting page that calculates life expectancy is located at http://www.livingto100.com/.

4. The National Public Radio website has a piece on a book that examines the lives of a wide variety of centenarians. The title of the book is "If I Live to Be 100: Lessons from the Centenarians" by Neenah Ellis. The web address is: http://npr.org/programs/morning/features/2002/oct/100years/index.html.

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