According to the 2023 American Community Survey Report titled, “Aging Veterans: America’s Veteran Population in Later Life (PDF | 492 KB),” of the country’s 16.5 million living veterans, 8.1 million (or nearly 50 percent) are 65 years or older. The largest group of older veterans are male in the age group of 72–74 years old. In 1964, when the United States entered the Vietnam War, those in service were 18–20 years old and made up the core age group of draftees and enlistees. These older veterans have served in conflicts around the world, including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and even in the Persian Gulf War (Veteran Affairs: Elderly Veterans).
According to the National Council on Aging, older veterans are in worse health than civilians in the same age group. In addition, while older veterans have higher incomes, they have less of a financial safety net in terms of savings and home equity. Eighty-one percent of older veterans have at least two chronic conditions, such as hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cancer, compared with 70 percent of older civilians. Twenty-five percent of older veterans may have at least one functional limitation, such as trouble bathing, dressing, and walking, as compared to 17 percent of their civilian counterparts. Older veterans have somewhat higher rates of mental health issues. Twenty-two percent of older veterans report feelings of depression, as compared to 18 percent among their civilian counterparts. Additionally, the Future of Personal Health reports older veterans are more likely to have a limitation in activities of daily living and an increased level of dependence over time. Over 50% of older veterans report difficulty in functioning and rate their health status as fair or poor. Additionally, older African American and Hispanic veterans report worse health than non-Hispanic white veterans across most health indicators.
AARP: Veterans, Active Duty, and Military Families
AARP is well known for their support of the older community. This page is specific to SMVF and provides information and resources, including programs available from agencies such as VA, the U.S. Department of Defense, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Eldercare Locator
A public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging provides a service locator for older adults. Some of the local resources provided include area agencies on aging, state agencies on aging, elder abuse prevention, department of social services protective serves for adults, health insurance counseling, legal services, and more. Resources vary by location.
Elizabeth Dole Foundation
The Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s programs provide military and veteran caregivers the support they need at the local, state, and national levels. These programs engage individuals, organizations, and communities across the country to get involved and make a difference in the lives of military caregivers.
Operation Family Caregiver: Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers
Operation Family Caregiver is a program of the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI). RCI supports caregivers—both family and professional—through advocacy, education, research, and service. It establishes local, state, national, and international partnerships committed to building quality, long-term home and community-based services.
VA Caregiver Support Program
VA has resources and benefits for caregivers in the SMVF community, including the VA’s Caregiver Support line, in-home support services, and much more.