We have identified several useful websites for obtaining population data relevant to aging issues.  Clicking on the highlighted hypertext will open the sites in your browser.

United States Census Bureau: This is the official website of the U.S. Census Bureau.  It provides a wealth of data on past, current, and projected population figures for the United States population.  Visitors may also obtain population statistics for other countries.  A summary of the preliminary Census 2000 data on the age structure of the U.S. can be found by clicking here.  A list of Census 2000 news releases can be found by clicking here.

Census 2000 Reports from The Washington Post:  A continuously updated list of recent Washington Post articles about findings from Census 2000.

Population Reference Bureau: This is an organization that provides timely and objective data on world population trends.  They are funded by a combination of government contracts, foundation grants, individual and corporate contributions, and the sale of  publications.  In addition to population data, there is an extensive library of articles available for free.  Several articles on population issues related to aging can be found by clicking here.

Administration on Aging (AoA):  A U.S. agency established as part of the Older Americans Act of 1965.  The AoA is the "Federal focal point and advocate agency for older persons and their concerns."  In addition to networking support for Area Agencies on Aging, the AoA provides statistical data on the characteristics of the U.S. elder population.

Ameristat: This site provides quick summaries of the characteristics of the United States population.  It was developed by the Population Reference Bureau in partnership with demographer Bill Frey and colleagues from the University of Michigan and the State University of New York at Albany.  Several snapshots of the elder U.S. population can be found by clicking here.

Popnet: This is a terrific resource for finding international population data.  It is maintained by the Population Reference Bureau and U.S. Agency for International Development.

International Programs Center (IPC):  The International Programs Center (IPC), part of the Population Division of the U.S. Bureau of the Census, conducts demographic and socioeconomic studies and strengthens statistical development around the world.  It is a good place to begin to gather world population data.  One interesting feature is its "population clock" which continually updates the world population total.

American Demographics:  This is the website for American Demographics--a magazine that provides "consumer trends for business leaders."  Some of the articles provide interesting data and analysis of our aging population.  Abstracts of the articles are available to view for free on the website; full text versions can be downloaded for a nominal fee.