The economic condition of the
nation’s elderly has improved over
time. In 1959, 35 percent of the
population age 65 years and over
lived below the poverty level. This
rate declined sharply between
1965 and 1975, and has continued
to decrease (at a slower rate), until
reaching 11 percent in 2000.
However, the older the person, the
more likely that they live below the
poverty level. People living alone
show higher poverty rates as well.