Estimated Prevalence of Elder Orphans Using National Health and Aging Trends Study

Abstract

Objectives: By 2050, individuals aged 65 years and older will comprise over 20% of the American population. A portion is at risk for becoming elder orphans: older adults living in the community who lack caregivers or surrogates. Methods: Using the first wave of the National Health and Aging Trends Survey, we estimated the prevalence of older adults who reside in the community, who are socially or physically isolated, and who lack caregivers. Individuals who are “at risk” meet all of these criteria, with the exception that they live with and receive caregiving from their spouse. Results: We estimated the elder orphan prevalence for this population to be 2.62% (2.24–3.00), with an additional 21.29% determined to be at risk. Discussion: As the population of the United States ages, an understanding of the prevalence and demographics of elder orphans will be useful to guide policies and services to assist this population.