A bar chart showing the percentages of males and females age 65 and older as a percentage of the general population. In 1900, about 2% of males and 2% of females were 65 and older. By 1940, about 3% of males and 3% of females were 65 and older. By 1960, about 4% of males and 5% of females were 65 and older. By 2000, about 5% of males and 7% of females were 65 and older. By 2040, about 8% of males and 12% of females are projected to be 65 and older.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau