oldest old

The term oldest old refers to people over 85 years of age-the fastest growing segment of the American population. As the most recent indicator of the progress of the aging population in America, the 85 + age group will have nearly doubled between 1980 and the year 2000, growing to nearly five million persons from only 2.6 million during that time period. Estimates for future years project a continued growth of the oldest old to nearly 13 million persons by 2040.
Altman, L. K. "Science Takes Heed: 'Oldest Old' Post Significant Challenge," in Aging, Goldstein, E. C., ed. Vol. 2, Art. 98. Boca Raton, Fl.: Social Issues Resource Series, Inc., 1981.
Rosenwaike, I. "A Demographic Portrait of the Oldest Old," Milbank Memorial Fund Quarterly: Health and Society. Vol. 63:2 (Spring, 1985).

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