The Centenarian Population

A recent U.S. Census Bureau report that analyzed characteristics of the nation’s 55,000 centenarians (people age 100 or older) and compared them with other seniors found that centenarians have lower education levels, are predominantly female, and are more likely to live in poverty than other seniors.  Among the report’s major findings:

1. 57% of centenarians received at least a high school diploma compared with 77% of those in the age 65 and older group.
2. Women made up 81% of centenarians and 57% of those age 65 and older.
3. 17% of centenarians and 9% of the 65 and older population lived below the poverty line.
4. 83% of centenarians received Social Security income compared with 88% of the age 65 and older group.
5. 24% of centenarians were receiving retirement income and 38% of the 65 and older population received it.