In order to fully grasp the enormity of the challenges faced by our aging population, it is helpful to review relevant statistics as determined by the CDC and the Mayor’s Council on Aging. 

Source: Philadelphia Corporation on Aging, January 2024

Data taken from 2022 American Community Survey of Philadelphia population

  • 20% (316,478 people) are 60 and older.
  • 14% of city population are 65 and older 
  • 5.7% of city population are 75 and older 

Economic Characteristics of 60+ Population:

  • 20.8% Live below poverty level
  • 72.4% Not in labor force
  • 29.2% without social security
  • 13.9% with supplemental security income 

In addition:

  • 19.7% Speak a language other than English
  • 19.6% Less than high school
  • 15.9% Foreign born
  • 20% Widowed

Percent of elderly reporting difficulty with:

  • 12.2% Cognitive
  • 29.5% Ambulatory
  • 20.8% Independent Living
  • 12.4% Self-care
  • 8.9% Vision
  • 11.6% Hearing

There are 206,395 households where an elder is the head of household of those:

  • 31.7% pay rent
  • 49.2% are elders who live alone
  • 30% spend 30% of income or more for owner costs
  • 28.6% have SNAP recipient in household
0 %
Difficulty Living Independently
0 %
Elderly Living Alone

Source: CDC.gov

One third of adults aged 45 and older feel lonely, and one fourth of adults aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated.

  • Social isolation significantly increased a person’s risk of premature death from all causes, a risk that may rival those of smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity.

  • Social isolation was associated with about a 50% increased risk of dementia.

  • Poor social relationships (characterized by social isolation or loneliness) was associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.

  • Loneliness was associated with higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide.

  • Loneliness among heart failure patients was associated with a nearly 4 times increased risk of death, 68% increased risk of hospitalization, and 57% increased risk of emergency department visits.
    (from April, 2021)

0 %
Increased Risk of Dementia
0 %
Increased Risk of Stroke

Our Role:

Our mission, to support and enhance the quality of life of vulnerable and underserved older adults residing in Philadelphia County, addresses grim statistics such as these. Through our grant programs, we fund organizations designed to service the aging population.