50% of People Aged 75-Plus Have a Disability

Thirty-nine million Americans have a disability—13 percent of the population, according to the 2012–16 American Community Survey. The percentage with a disability rises with age...

Percent with a disability
Under age 5: 0.8%
Aged 5 to 17: 5.4%
Aged 18 to 34: 6.0%
Aged 35 to 64: 12.9%
Aged 65 to 74: 25.4%
Aged 75-plus: 50.0%

Among those aged 75 or older with a disability, 33 percent have difficulty walking, 25 percent have difficulty living independently, 23 percent have hearing problems, 14 percent have a cognitive deficit, 14 percent have trouble with self-care, and 10 percent have vision problems.

Source: Census Bureau, American Factfinder, Disability Characteristics