This document is an information paper prepared for the Senate Special Committee on Aging which analyzes 1980 census data on living conditions of older Americans. The analysis provides the following conclusions: (1) older women are more likely to be poor, widowed, and living alone than are older men; (3) labor force participation and median income decline with age; (4) only the oldest old (85 and older) live in old age homes in significant numbers; (5) with increasing age householders are increasingly likely to rent housing and to live alone; (6) older Americans spend a relatively high percentage of their income for housing; and (7) poverty rates for the elderly are lower than for the population as a whole. A statement by Senator John Heinz describes four implications of the analysis to be important to policy makers: significant subgroups of elderly do not have equity in their homes; housing expenses can be a burden for some older Americans, costing up to half of their incomes; many older persons do not have telephones; and subgroups of elderly differ greatly in economic well-being. Heinz's statement also noted the need for housing policy appropriate for the graying of America. Tables and figures of census data are included. An appendix contains information on problems associated with cohort succession data. (ABL)