After World War II, average life expectancy increased, the number of Americans above 65 years old grew, and national organizations representing the elderly proliferated. This document, prepared for Senator John Sparkman (D-AL) and similar statistical compilations prepared for other senators, makes clear why congressional support for the Older Americans Act was strong. This document was prepared by the Senate Special Committee on Aging, created in 1961 and charged with studying, investigating, and reporting problems of older Americans. Although the committee had no authority to report legislation, it helped build support in the Senate for the Older Americans Act and other legislation addressing the needs of senior citizens.