As Americans live longer, the problems of financing their retirement and paying their medical bills continue to influence public policies. But the growing number of healthy seniors also means greater availability of experience. Both the problems and opportunities are in the spotlight in May — it’s Older Americans Month. There are nearly 45 million people age 65 and older in the U.S., almost 15 percent of the population. By the year 2060, the number of elderly is projected to be 98 million. By then, the national median age will rise from today’s 37.8 to 43 years. Currently, more than one out of 10 of all older Americans — 4.9 million — have full-time, year-round employment, but that likely includes few of the nation’s 72,000 centenarians. Profile America is beginning its 20th year as a public service of the U.S. Census Bureau.