“In 2014, Americans ages 65 and older made up 15 percent of the total U.S. population; by 2060, that share is projected to grow to 24 percent. A majority of Americans (57 percent) believe the growing number of older people in the U.S. is a problem for the country, including a third (36 percent) who see it as a major problem. Older Americans themselves are more likely to see the aging of the population as a problem; six in ten (62 percent) of those ages 65 and over see it as a problem, including half (48 percent) who believe it is a major problem.”

“In partnership with The Economist, the Kaiser Family Foundation conducted a cross-country survey of adults in the United States, Italy, Japan, and Brazil about people’s views and experiences related to aging and end-of-life medical care. These four countries are each at different stages of population aging, and have different cultural and institutional considerations when it comes to preparing and providing care for those near the end of life.

“This report gives an overview of the survey results for the U.S. A summary report comparing themes across the four countries and highlighting specific findings in Japan, Italy, and Brazil is available here.