Seniors are America’s fastest growing population segment. As advancements in technology and medical care have increased the average life expectancy to 78.7 years, many Americans are now living longer than ever before. In 2010, there were 57 million seniors in the United States, making up 18 percent of the population. The number is expected to reach 112 million in 2050, which will account for 26 percent of the population.
Statistics indicate that up to 10,000 people reach age 65 every day, a quarter of whom will live to be age 90.
While living longer is a blessing, old age comes with its own challenges, such as difficulties with mobility. Poor mobility makes simple pleasures like visiting a friend impossible and daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning a huge problem. In fact, one in six seniors struggles with hunger brought about by poor mobility, driving them to relocate from their homes to nursing facilities.
Meals on Wheels provides up to 2.4 million seniors every year with nutritious meals delivered to their doorstep, making them feel safer at home while improving their overall health.