How many older adults were recorded in the United States in 2011?

In 2011, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that approximately 38 million older adults, defined as individuals aged 65 and older, were living in the United States. This figure reflects the aging population trend attributed to factors such as increased life expectancy and the aging of the baby boomer generation. Understanding the demographics of older adults is critical for healthcare planning and resource allocation, especially in acute care settings where the needs of this population can be complex and varied. The number serves as a vital statistic for health care providers, policymakers, and researchers focusing on gerontology and related fields.