CBEI Central Wisconsin Spring 2026 Report

Special Report: Navigating Aging: Resources, Risk and Realities for Families

Janet Zander Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources

Susan Wurzer Wisconsin Coalition for Serious Illness & Caregiving

Introduction

Navigating Aging: Resources, Risks & Realities for Families

Wisconsin Coalition for Serious Illness & Caregiving

May 8, 2026

Susan Wurzer, MBA, BSW Janet Zander, MPA, CSW

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Age Group Estimates

United States Wisconsin

Total Population - All Ages

334,922,499 79,089,799 57,633,628 23,540,721

5,914,872 1,514,099 1,096,043

60+ 65+ 75+ 85+

434,379 124,459

6,432,041

% 60+ % 65+ % 75+ % 85+

23.6% 17.2%

25.6% 18.5%

7.0% 1.9%

7.3% 2.1%

Realities: Profile of Aging in Wisconsin

Males age 65+

26,005,790

510,727

Males as percent of 65+ population

45.1%

46.6%

Females age 65+

31,627,838

585,316

Females as percent of 65+ population

54.9%

53.4%

Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, American Community Survey, 2020-2024 Five-year Estimates, Table B01001, 1/2026 Ages 65 and Older, Living Alone

United States Wisconsin

Persons 65+

57,633,628 15,314,180

1,096,043

Persons 65+ living alone Persons, % living alone

320,658

26.6%

29.3%

Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, American Community Survey, 2020-2024 Five-year Estimates, Tables B01001 and B09020, 1/2026

Disability Status of Non-institutionalized Population by Sex, Ages 65 and Older

United States Wisconsin

Total Persons, 65+, With a Disability

18,487,774

304,220

Total Persons, 65+, % with a Disability

32.9%

28.4%

Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census, American Community Survey, 2020-2024 Five-year Estimates, Table B18101, 1/2026

Household Income Households with head age 65+ Household income below $35,000 % with HH income below $35,000 Household income below $50,000 % with HH income below $50,000

United States Wisconsin

35,530,256 11,027,696

704,634 215,008

31.0%

30.5%

15,538,335

309,613

43.7%

43.9%

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Center for Business and Economic Insight

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