Silver Book Fact
Disabilities in older Americans, 2009
In 2009, 37% of older Americans reported some type of disability (i.e. difficulty in hearing, vision, cognition, ambulation, self-care, or independent living). 56% of people over 80 reported a severe disability and 29% reported that they needed assistance.
Administration on Aging. A Profile of Older Americans: 2010. Washington, DC: US Department of Health and Human Services; 2011. https://www.acl.gov/sites/default/files/Aging%20and%20Disability%20in%20America/2010profile.pdf