Elderly Disability and Accessibility: A Data-Driven Overview

As the global population ages, understanding the intersection of aging and disability becomes increasingly vital.

This blog compiles key statistics and insights to provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape, focusing on elderly individuals with disabilities, their mobility challenges, market trends, and the economic impact of services and technologies that support this demographic. 

Demographics and Disability Prevalence Among Older Adults

As the senior population in the U.S. continues to grow, so does the prevalence of age-related disabilities. Understanding these trends is essential for planning accessible homes and communities.

• Population Growth: In 2022, Americans aged 65 and older numbered 57.8 million, representing 17.3% of the total U.S. population. This marks a 34% increase from 2012. Projections estimate this number will reach 88.8 million by 2060. ACL Administration for Community Living

• Disability Rates:
  • Approximately 43.9% of individuals aged 65 and older report having a disability.
  • Among those aged 75 and older, the prevalence rises to 46%.
• Types of Disabilities: The most common disabilities among older adults include difficulties with walking, independent living, and cognition. American Psychological Association
  
  

 Economic Impact and Market Size of the industry

The growing demand for elderly and disability support services has led to a rapidly expanding market. From assistive technologies to in-home care, the industry’s economic impact is significant and rising.

• Elderly & Disabled Services Industry:
  • The U.S. market size for services catering to the elderly and disabled is projected to be $80.1 billion in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.0% from 2020 to 2025. Data Bridge Market Research
• Assistive Technology Market:
  • Globally, the assistive technology market for the disabled and elderly was valued at $23.09 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $38.97 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.76%. Data Bridge Market Research

Workforce and Employment

As the need for elderly and disability services increases, so does the demand for a specialized workforce. Employment in this sector plays a vital role in supporting accessible living and long-term care.

• Employment in Elderly & Disabled Services:
  • In 2023, approximately 2.3 million individuals were employed in services for the elderly and persons with disabilities in the U.S.
• Employment Rates for Individuals with Disabilities:
  • In 2023, the employment–population ratio for people with a disability increased to a series high of 22.5%, while the unemployment rate for people with a disability reached a series low of 7.2%. Homepage+4Bureau of Labor Statistics+4Bureau of Labor Statistics+4

Geographical Variations in Disability Prevalence

Disability rates among older adults vary significantly across different states in the U.S. These geographic trends help identify regions with greater needs for accessibility solutions and support services.

• State-Level Data:
  • In 2023, states like West Virginia, Arkansas, and Kentucky reported the highest shares of their populations with disabilities.

Future Outlook

The aging population and the rise in disability prevalence highlight an urgent need for innovative solutions in housing, healthcare, and mobility. Assistive technology powered by artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly important role in this transformation.

From AI-powered fall detection systems to smart home automation and voice-controlled devices that help seniors navigate daily life, AI is reshaping how accessibility is delivered.

According to a report by Grand View Research, the global AI in elderly care market was valued at $1.04 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 29.4% from 2023 to 2030. This rapid expansion signals a future where AI-enabled tools will become standard in supporting independent, safe, and connected aging.

Other sources used in the blog:

• ACL: Profile of Older Americans
• Data Bridge Market Research: Disabled and Elderly Assistive Technology Market
• BLS: Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
• BLS: Employment–Population Ratio for People with a Disability
• Statista: Disability Rates by State U.S.