Final answer:
The correct option is c. lower than the national average.
As of the beginning of the twenty-first century, the poverty rate for Americans over the age of sixty-five has generally been lower than the national average, but it has experienced an increase during economic downturns, reflecting the sensitivity of this group to broader economic challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the United States, the poverty rate for people over the age of sixty-five has historically followed a trend of decline. From about 30 percent in 1967, it fell to 9.7 percent in 2008, which was well below the national average of 13.2 percent at that time. However, due to severe economic downturns, like the recession, which diminished retirement savings and placed pressure on support systems, the poverty rate among the elderly increased to 14 percent by 2010. By 2019, the poverty rate dropped again to 10.5 percent. Generally, older adults currently tend to have a poverty rate that is lower or close to the national average.
In comparison to the total U.S. population, where the poverty rate has not been below 10.5 percent in recent decades, poverty rates among the elderly has varied, reflecting financial stability gained through social security, pensions, and investments after a lifetime of work. Nonetheless, the fluctuations in the poverty rate among the elderly emphasize the vulnerability of this demographic to broader economic changes, especially those affecting retirement income and public assistance programs.