Facts and Figures

California is aging. In the first two decades of the new millennium, the number of Californians over the age of 65 is projected to double to more than 6.5 million. Every facet of life in the state will be impacted – from politics and public services to the economy and healthcare. This changing, aging demographic also requires that society view such disparate issues as the workforce, housing, transportation, insurance, safety and particularly long-term care in a new context with an older perspective.

The goal of LeadingAge California, an advocate in the state for quality senior living and care, is to help develop progressive and innovative strategies for Californians to age well into the future. Paramount concerns in aging services include providing more options for care; continuity, accessibility and flexibility of services; reasonable and secure financing; affordable senior housing; healthcare; education and training programs and research and technological advances – in general, ensuring all of us can age independently and with dignity.

LeadingAge California represents more than 400 nonprofit providers of senior living and care – including affordable housing, continuing care retirement communities, assisted living, skilled-nursing, and home and community-based care. LeadingAge California’s advocacy, educational programs and communications help its members best serve the needs of more than 100,000 seniors. The public-interest association was founded in 1961.


Aging by the numbers in 2012
90 percent-plus
Resident satisfaction surveys for LeadingAgeCalifornia’s Continuing Care Retirement Community members average above 90 percent. These communities house more than 20,000 California seniors. Rating categories include: Safety and Security – 96 percent; Environment – 95 percent; Clinical Care – 96 percent and Competence of Staff – 99 percent.

100,000 seniors
LeadingAge California members serve more than 100,000 seniors annually as residents and through community services, affordable senior housing and healthcare programs.

$1.4 billion annually
LeadingAge California members’ combined annual operating expenses exceeds $1.4 billion annually. This is money spent in their local communities.

25,000 employees
LeadingAge California members employ more than 25,000 individuals throughout the state.

77 percent
The percentage of LeadingAge California skilled nursing facility members who say nursing staff recruitment is a serious or somewhat serious problem.

520 units
Affordable senior housing providers in California has received tens of millions from the federal government in Section 202 grants. The majority of the funds were awarded to LeadingAge California’s housing members, who will use the money to develop hundreds of new senior housing units.

32 months
The average length of time a senior waits for affordable housing in California. Some wait as long as six years.

60 units
Presentation Housing in downtown San Francisco designates 60 units for seniors who need substantial help with daily living activities. By combining publicly funded programs, this LeadingAge California member is a stellar example of helping frail seniors remain in their own home longer without the need for a nursing home placement.

2,000 participants
The California-originated Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly administers five operations in the state. PACE programs help more than 2,000 senior participants live independently (and age-in-place rather than in a nursing home) by providing vital health, medical and social services in their communities.

$900 million
Providers on nonprofit senior living are spending nearly $900 million in California to build seven new Continuing Care Retirement Communities and to expand nine others. CCRCs are communities that offer a range of services and support to seniors, from independent housing to assisted living and skilled nursing care.