PORTLAND, Ore. — The number of older Americans over the age of 100 is growing in Oregon and around the country. One of those is Irene Jones, who's 105 years old — and she has a full schedule every day.
"I play bingo, candy bingo, on Monday mornings. Tuesdays, I play Skip-Bo, and if we have any excursions, I go in the van," Jones told KGW.
Jones stopping driving only seven years ago — but only because her doctor made her.
"I was 98-and-a-half when I quit driving. And I thought I would drive until I was 100 because that's when my license was — until I was 100," said Jones.
She's one of millions of older adults living in the U.S.
"Older Americans are not just old people. That is something that has probably changed in the last several years. We used to think of them as just the same as a younger person but older, but they do have special needs," said Dr. Jeff Brown with the Salem Health Medical Clinic.
The population of older Americans continues to grow. In fact, there are about 62 million adults aged 65 and older living in the U.S. The U.S. population of those 100 years and older is projected to quadruple over the next 30 years.
Doctors say because of the growing population, it's important to realize they need special care.
"Our society doesn't usually really promote taking the time to provide that. You see that from standing in line in the grocery store to thinking 'come on, come on,' but we need to recognize that these are folks that are in their position, and with any luck, we'll be in that position," said Brown.
Part of that care includes helping them to stay active and providing a lot of support.
"She has a lot of joy in her life. She has lots of friends, and there's no one that doesn't know her," said Raeann McDonald with the Willamette Lutheran Retirement Community.
Jones also has family members, including grandkids and great grandkids, that help provide special care. She says it helps her keep going and looking forward to being 106.
"I don't know. I just play and do what I want, I guess," said Jones.